Migration: Environmental Arts School
30 August - 5 September 2003

This Autumn Taigh Chearsabhagh staged it's first Environmental Art School. The event was a great success, forty-four people took part with equal attendance from local participants as from throughout the UK, as far afield as Belfast, Cornwall and London.

The Art School was based at Newton House, North Uist and explored the theme of 'Migration' in the context of the islands natural and cultural environment. The students used local sustainable materials such as clay, rushes, seaweed, shells and other found objects, to create site specific environmental work and crafts.

There were six courses in: Sculpture with Tim Willey, Field Drawing with Bill Neill, Environmental Studies with Margaret MacLellan, Ceramics with Louise Cook, Paper-making with Joanne Kaar and Weaving with Tim Johnson.

The week culminated in an Open Evening on 5 September at Taigh Chearsabhagh when the public was able to view the work that had been created through the week.

Selection of student comments:

'Both tutors were very knowledgeable about their crafts, very helpful and patient, I've learned so much. Thank you.'
Participant on paper and weaving courses

'The standard of instruction was very high and Joanne's enthusiasm for the whole enterprise is infectious. I have always wanted to learn to make paper and she's exactly whom I need to learn from.'
Participant on Paper Making course.

'Tutors input in weaving was very inspiring and the group learnt a lot of new techniques that we can continue when we leave.'
Participant on Weaving course.

Grateful thanks to the funders: Scottish Arts Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Western Isles Enterprise and Scottish Natural Heritage.

For more information please contact Arts Officer, Taigh Chearsabhagh, Lochmaddy, North Uist. Tel:01876 500 240, Fax:01876 500 240, e-mail: info@taigh-chearsabhagh.org