Community 3

WANSBECK CELEBRATES

Two members of KEAP Creative provided a "Raku Workshop" as part of the Wansbeck Celebrates Extravaganza in Ashington on March 14th. Members of the public were able to glaze and decorate their pot or pendants which were provided free and then watch as these were fired to 1000oC in a gas kiln before being placed in a dustbin full of sawdust which burst into flames and provided the 'reduced atmosphere' necessary to achieve the metallic copper turquoise colours. The event was well attended and over eighty pots or pendants were fired. Even members of the army who were unable to demonstrate their activity due to the high winds produced some exciting results!

OUR WANSBECK

KEAP Creative hosted "Our Wansbeck" in Woodhorn Church on Sunday 22nd March. Members of the community were invited to register in the morning and then complete, in a day, a drawing or painting that celebrated some aspect of the local community. Most entrants decided to stay and work in the church but some worked in the churchyard (despite a cold and blustery March day). Others went elsewhere and returned with their work later. There were thirty seven entrants but other members of the community also participated even though they decided not to enter. Parents who had accompanied their children decided to join in also. Karl Mercer from Newcastle College Department of Art & Design had the unenviable task of selecting winners and runners up who were presented with prizes at the end of the day. All the work was displayed in the church the following week. The event was such a success that we have decided to make it into an annual event but later in the year when the weather is warmer and participants can more comfortably work outdoors. Look for the details of The Big Draw on the News page to see what we intend to do.