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OUTSPOKEN ARTS ANNOUNCES ITS VISUAL ARTS PROGRAMME AT THE ART DEPARTMENT FOR 2024

BIG ART SHOW IS BACK, ALONG WITH A MAJOR NEW SHOW – THE TEARDROP EXPLODES – EXPLORING THE WONDERFUL PAISLEY PATTERN

Outspoken Arts Scotland has announced a packed programme of visual arts events for the year ahead at The Art Department.   The Big Art Show is back from August-November; ACCORD Hospice annual exhibition returns to for a third year in April and May; and the popular FREE creative learning workshops start on 7th February and run until May.  This Spring’s major show is the Teardrop Explodes – an exciting new exhibition which explores all things Paisley Pattern, taking place in May and June.  

In this new project, The Teardrop Explodes, Outspoken Arts Scotland will work with community partners, artists, printmakers, photographers, weavers, textile artists, a dress historian and local heritage collections.  Gallery 2 will be transformed and covered head to toe in Paisley! The Teardrop Explodes exhibition will have a booth style layout featuring installations, artworks, displays, memorabilia, costumes, historical context and textiles.  A catwalk fashion show will be the exciting opening event.

A FREE Creative Learning Workshop programme will run from 7th February and participants will create work which will form part of the Teardrop Explodes show. Workshops will feature painting, drawing, printmaking, textiles, sewing, ceramics and mixed media. Artists leading the workshops are Lil Brookes; Marion Gardyne; Hector Dyer and Lilja Husmo. No experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided. Book here: https://outspokenarts.eventbrite.com

Community partners confirmed are Disability Resource Centre; Finishing Touches, Paisley; Older Adults Day Service; Paisley Thread Mill Museum; The Renfrewshire Tapestry; Sma’ Shot Cottages and Lucy McConnell, Dress Historian.

The Paisley Pattern is a centuries old pattern that has been utilised worldwide. It is one of the most highly recognisable motifs and is still sought after in everyday wear and high-end fashion. The pine pattern shawl came to be produced in Paisley at the start of the 19th century. The exhibition will be a walk-through of 18th century garb, Victorian splendour, 60s Biba love, 70s hippy wear, Laura Ashley print, 70s Paisley punk, new romantics, to high-end Italian fashion and beyond.

Commenting on the exhibition, Steven Thomson, Creative Director, Outspoken Arts Scotland, said: “This is exciting collaboration with local partners from public, private and third sectors to create an enthusiastic expression of “love” for all things Paisley pattern! The project will explore the common bonds of the Paisley pattern and the “teardrop” motif across cultures and between generations, it will emphasise creative expressions, inclusivity, and diversity, whilst promoting community harmony, and positive mental wellbeing.

“Participants in creative and community outreach workshops will create a body of work telling the story of the Pattern, re-creating, and making new versions in multiple formats – from digital to catwalk. We will tell the extraordinary story of this timeless fashion icon, shining a spotlight on the women and places that made it. We’ll explore its roots, its meaning, and its ongoing relevance as a collective emblem.”

A call for entries has been launched today requesting artists in any medium to submit work which references The Paisley Pattern. Artworks can entirely new works, or one-off reproductions, re-creations, new forms, digital, prints, textiles, photography, painting, drawing, ceramic and sculptural forms. The work must include the Paisley Pattern in some manner or form to be considered.

Commenting on the project, Lil Brookes, said: “I love the Paisley pattern and find it endlessly interesting so I’m looking forward to having fun exploring the teardrop shape and associated flower motifs with a new set of people to see their take on it…all very inspiring!”

Supported by Renfrewshire Council’s Culture, Heritage and Events Fund.

Exhibition: Wednesday 1st May – Saturday 29th June 2024

Opening: Wednesday 1st May 2024 with a Catwalk Fashion Show

Location: The Art Department – Gallery 2, 2-10 Causeyside Street, Paisley, PA1 1UN

Key Dates:  ACCORD Hospice Annual Exhibition – April 26th – 10th May 2024; Teardrop Explodes – 1st May – 29th June 2024; Big Art Show – 30th August – 16th November 2024.