HBAS Free Little Art Gallery (FLAGS) Newsletter - February
Both Sally and I were happy to volunteer for the new initiative of the FLAGS. Not knowing what to expect, we were thrilled and excited at the launch of these fabulous little art inspiration hubs! Thanks to the wonderful volunteers and craftsmen from the Men’s Shed we were presented with beautifully made wooden and glass mini galleries.
Plenty of art materials were on hand to get creative. After working in teams of 2, some incredible art was produced. Our first theme was based around the snowman painted by Geraldine Phelan. We got some branches, plenty of cotton wool and a winter wonderland was soon taking shape 😊
Our FLAG’s home is Newport Library. On our visits during the last few months, we’ve discovered plenty of new pieces added by what appears to be very young artists. They particularly love painting the stones! Haven’t noticed any pieces that have been taken, so not sure if the concept is understood completely by the community. We’re thinking of putting up a small sign saying something like “Look inside. Like to take something? Like to create something? Ask staff for the craft box” ….. just a little prompt/instruction that gives permission to look, touch and create.
We check in on our FLAG every 2 wks or so, observe and admire the new additions, tidy up, display the pieces nicely, remove some older pieces and save for later, take a photo of the refreshed gallery, replenish the art materials box from our spares and what we have at home and get feedback from the library staff.
We’ve thoroughly enjoyed working on this project together and putting our own little stamp on the gallery - hope those of the community who have engaged with it have enjoyed creating their own contributions. We believe the project has so much scope to engage all age groups, to encourage the budding artist in everyone and to admire the creativity of others. Thanks to HBAS for the opportunity to be involved.
Sue Groen and Sally Bilbao
Plenty of art materials were on hand to get creative. After working in teams of 2, some incredible art was produced. Our first theme was based around the snowman painted by Geraldine Phelan. We got some branches, plenty of cotton wool and a winter wonderland was soon taking shape 😊
Our FLAG’s home is Newport Library. On our visits during the last few months, we’ve discovered plenty of new pieces added by what appears to be very young artists. They particularly love painting the stones! Haven’t noticed any pieces that have been taken, so not sure if the concept is understood completely by the community. We’re thinking of putting up a small sign saying something like “Look inside. Like to take something? Like to create something? Ask staff for the craft box” ….. just a little prompt/instruction that gives permission to look, touch and create.
We check in on our FLAG every 2 wks or so, observe and admire the new additions, tidy up, display the pieces nicely, remove some older pieces and save for later, take a photo of the refreshed gallery, replenish the art materials box from our spares and what we have at home and get feedback from the library staff.
We’ve thoroughly enjoyed working on this project together and putting our own little stamp on the gallery - hope those of the community who have engaged with it have enjoyed creating their own contributions. We believe the project has so much scope to engage all age groups, to encourage the budding artist in everyone and to admire the creativity of others. Thanks to HBAS for the opportunity to be involved.
Sue Groen and Sally Bilbao
Click the following: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DqNNrzPqYY to see Sue Groen and Sally Bilbao speak about their FLAG.
If you need any further information, please contact Gaye Pereira-Jackson {HBAS President) or Kristina Love on hbas@y7mail.com
