Published by Venture Arts43 Old Birley Street

ManchesterM15 5RF

Copyright ©Venture ArtsAll rights reserved. No part of this publication

may be reproduced, stored on a retrieval systemor transmitted in any form or by any means,without prior permission of the publisher.

Printed and bound in the UK by the MPG Books Group, Bodmin and King’s Lynn

Folioby

Venture Arts

Contents

Introduction 5

Open Book 7

Open Book...Pass It On 68

We Came, We Saw...We Ventured 90

Venture Arts- About Us 116

Artists 118

Acknowledgements 119

FolioThis catalogue represents the hard work of over 100 people who came together

to create wonderful pieces of art in three visual art projects:

A group of artists worked together to produce a collection of artworks displayed to over 70,000 people throughout the first six months of 2010 entitled ‘Open Book’

A smaller number of people worked on a project in partnership with Manchester Art Gallery. They chose pieces of art and architecture that they found

inspiring and recreated them in their own way. This was entitled ‘We Came, We Saw..We Ventured’. The works received fantastic public acclaim.

‘Open Book...Pass It On’ worked with young people in schools to pass on the skills that people had learnt through working on Open Book.

This book represents the considerable artistic achievements of a group of people who have learning disabilities working from our art studios in Hulme, Manchester.

The whole project was made possible thanks to the support of Arts Council England.

‘Art is not madefor anybody and is, at the same time,

for everybody.’

Piet Mondrian

Open Book

8

Open BookIntroduction

‘Open Book’ represents the culmination of 9 months of varied arts workshops that took place in 2009, all with a loose theme of books.

The idea behind using a central theme of books was to stimulate creative responses using a wide variety of arts practice. The group wanted to work on this subject to make the whole idea of books more accessible hence ‘the most unbookish books

you will ever experience’.

“My sister is now in her 60’s and I have witnessed the part she has played within communities in her lifetime, the difficulties she has encountered and what a difference Venture Arts has made to her life. So far, all the

projects I have been invited to see from Venture Arts have been conducted with the highest standards of professionalism and when I attend the opening

exhibitions I never fail to be astonished at the results. I find the opening events very emotional because all the participants have such enthusiasm , they create such wonderful things from nothing and accomplish so much

more than the finished product.” (Stella Ball, Participant’s sister)

Twist And Shape

10

11

Ceramic Story

12

13

Journey

14

15

3D Recipe Books

16

17

Pinhole Books

18

19

Printed Portraits

20

21

Plastic Recycled Books

22

23

Book In A Box

24

25

Paper Jewellery

26

27

Pages of Photographs

28

29

Animated Sketchbooks

30

31

Dear Diary

32

33

Music Book Paper Flowers

34

35

Things That Make Me Smile

36

37

Tin Can Recycled Books

38

39

Cameraless Photography

40

41

Ancient Artefacts

42

43

Fairytale Books

44

45

Open BookExhibition

The Lowry, Salford Quays 11th February - 28th March 2010

People’s History Museum, Spinningfields 24th April - 6th June 2010

The exhibitions were a resounding success; the work was viewed by over 70,000 people and was extremely well received by audiences from across the region.

We would like to thank The Lowry and the People’s History Museum for their support.

47

“I liked listening to people talk about my work.

It was nice to talk to my friends and the drinks were nice.”

(Venture Arts Participant)

48

49

“Really great! The quality of the work produced is so high and the processes and

techniques used are so clever and creative– but then we’ve come to expect that from

you! Pleasure working with you.” (Lizzy Hewson, Community and

Education Administrator, The Lowry)

50

51

“Beautiful work. Some wonderful designs which are all very thought provoking.

Well Done.” (Ciaron, work placement

volunteer)

52

53

“It is inspiring and touching and enthralling, full of handmade

humanity. Wonderful!”

54

55

Open BookProcess

“I think Venture Arts are well known for supporting people no matter what level of disability they have.

They are not tied by being part of a system which decideson the priority for people with a learning disability.

They represent ambition, achievement and recognition, all of which were historically denied to the people we support.”

(Dave Stephens, Day Resource Unit Manager.Manchester Learning Disability Partnership)

57

Twist & Shape

3D Paper Sculptures using old book pages.

People used a range of techniques to make 3D abstract forms from paper.

Ceramic Story

The ceramics group devised a story between them that was ten pages long.

Each participant then ‘illustrated’ a page. Instead of the story being

illustrated on paper, it was illustrated on ceramic plates and shallow bowls.

Each piece acts as a 3D ‘page’ of a book and shows how a story can be told

in an unconventional format.

Journey

In this project people produced innovative carousel books about

interesting journeys that they had been on, using mixed media including

stitch, printing and collage.

3D Recipe Books

Using textiles everyone chose a cake, found the recipe for it and used a

variety of fabrics and stitch to devise their individual 3D cake recipe.

58

Pinhole Books

Old hard-back books were hollowed out to make pinhole cameras which

people then used in their own way to produce a variety of black and white

photographs, developed in the darkroom back in the studio in Hulme.

Printed Portraits

Individuals in this workshop created self-portraits using a variety of printmaking techniques which

were then mounted onto hand-made books.

59

Plastic Recycled Books

These tactile books were created using old carrier bags fused into

bright stitched books.

Book In A Box

These books were created using a‘concertina’ effect where the pages

‘pop’ out of the tin, revealing beautiful artwork describing

something that each individual likes.

60

Paper Jewellery

People collected old books and recycled them creatively to make a variety of eye-catching jewellery.

Pages of Photographs

The photography group took images in and around the Manchester area using

traditional Holga cameras and documented where they had been and

their impressions of what they saw.The images and words were then

combined to produce thought provoking ‘photo-textual’ work.

61

Animated Sketchbooks

Participants learnt how to develop an idea through sketchbooks into a narrative. They then produced a short, highly original animation.

Dear Diary This project formed part of the ‘Anne Frank (and you) Project’, shown at Manchester Cathedral.

Artists created a book about who they are. Set amongst work from groups

who experience marginalisation, the viewer was prompted to explore

diversity of identity & personality and to challenge stereotypes

through the work.

62

Music Book Paper Flowers

Using old music scores, maps andstamps individuals were inspired by

Origami techniques through visiting students from Japan. They then went on to produce effective

book origami frames.

Things That Make Me Smile

People explored this theme and made fold out books using a wide

variety of colour and media.

63

Tin Can Recycled Books

In another innovative recycling project people collected old fizzy

drink cans and used textile methods to create bright, tactile tin books.

Cameraless Photography

During this project, we made photographic images using light resistant material, photographic

enlargers and black and white photo paper, but no cameras.

64

Ancient Artefacts

In this project people researched ancient art and script and created

their own, forming a book style of ancient times.

Fairytale Books

Participants made their own illustrated fairy stories and had them

professionally published. The collection forms a lovely box set.

65

Half Term Open Book Workshop

66

67

Open Book...Pass It On

69

Open Book...Pass It OnIntroduction

From January to July 2010 four artists from Venture Arts passed on the skills they had learnt through the Open Book project to young people from Manchester. The project showed real collaboration and understanding

between young people and adults who have a learning disability.

For the Venture Arts Learning Mentors this represented their first paid employment in the arts. Learning Mentors on the project were: Max Bentley, Robert Dixon, Darren Gallagher, Horace Lindezey.

“Working as a teaching assistant in a local primary school afforded Robert a role with some authority and status. He was proud and delighted

that the children addressed him as ‘sir’ or ‘Mr. D’. Never previously had he been treated with such respect. I am sure that in the future, when these

children come into contact with others with learning difficulties, their understanding of them and their behaviour towards them will be

significantly different as a direct result of their experiences with Robert.”(Claire Hardy- Principal Carer)

Printed Portraits...Pass It On

71

72

73

Dear Diary...Pass It On

74

75

76

Book In A Box...Pass It On

77

78

79

Open Book - Pass It On Exhibition

Zion Arts Centre13th - 18th July 2010

The work of the schools was shown alongsidethe original Venture Arts work in the gallery at

Zion Arts Centre in July 2010.

Many thanks go to Zion Arts Centre and the schools for their commitment to the project.

81

“The best thing about the course was working with adults who have a learning

disability, they were so patient and kind with our students. They dealt with all ranges of behaviours beautifully.

For our students I think it was fantastic to see people, older than themselves, also with a

learning disability, out working and making a contribution to the community.”

(Ben Dumville, Teacher, St John Vianney)

82

“I liked working. When I got paid I bought myself a new

mobile phone too. It is the first time I have been

paid for working.”(Learning Mentor)

83

84

85

Open Book...Pass It OnProcess

“As the mother of a son with both physical and learning disabilities I know how valuable the expression of art is to my son and

how working with a cross section of communities enhances his life and also the people he comes into contact with.

It is essential that people of all abilities come together in art and in their everyday lives.”

(Linda Norbury- Participant’s Mother)

Printed Portraits...Pass It OnRolls Crescent Primary School

The pupils were taught how to create textured paper and printmaking techniques.

All the children produced self portraits using the grid technique

and separated the portrait into three tones.

The self portraits were used to create a relief print using the poly-

printing technique. These were then printed and bound into an album.

Venture Arts learning mentors were able to pass on the skills they had

learnt by demonstrating how to create textured paper and polyprinting.

87

Dear Diary...Pass It OnSt Wilfrid’s RC Primary School

In this project, participants looked at the original ‘Dear Diary’ project and used the same techniques to

create their own three dimensional diary extracts, focused on

their own identities.

Venture Arts learning mentor, Robert Dixon, was able to share his

skills with the children from St Wilfrid’s and support them

in creating the work.

88

Book in a Box...Pass It OnSt John Vianney RC High School

Pupils learnt skills like printmaking, wax entrapment and collage.

Each member of the group then chose a subject of their choice and created a

concertina book which was then encased in a tin.

Robert and Horace, Venture Arts learning mentors, helped todemonstrate the techniques.

They also gave general one to one support and encouragement

to the youngsters.

89

We Came,We Saw...

We Ventured

91

We Came, We Saw...We Ventured

IntroductionFrom January to May 2010 Venture Arts was delighted to collaborate with

Manchester Art Gallery in a series of projects.

Workshop groups were introduced to the works held within the gallery over a series of tours facilitated by the gallery. From there people chose

the works that most inspired them and produced works of their own.

“I am impressed by the commitment and support that staff at Venture Arts provide for adults with learning disabilities. They are able torecognise and encourage individual needs and abilities of service

users so that they can personally express themselves through high quality artworks.”

(Helena Lee, Community Development Manager,Manchester Art Gallery)

We Came, We Saw...We Popped Up

93

We Came, We Saw...We Stitched

94

We Came, We Saw...We Layered

95

We Came, We Saw...We Envisaged

96

We Came, We Saw...We Specified

97

We Came, We Saw...We Collaged

98

We Came, We Saw...We Travelled

99

We Came, We Saw...We Drew

100

101

102

We Came, We Saw...We Constructed

103

We Came, We Saw...We Ventured Exhibition

Manchester Art Gallery16th March - 3rd May 2010

Participants’ artworks were shown alongside their inspiration in Manchester Art Gallery.

Visitors were encouraged to record their experience of the work on a postcard and add it to the photo album in the gallery.

We thank the gallery for their time, commitment and support in this fascinating project.

“Very impressive and an incredible insight into how we all individually see & interpret

objects, artistic pieces, paintings etc. Keep up the excellent work”

105

“The work is beautiful. I really enjoyed seeing my own work and my friend

Laura is very proud of me” (Venture Arts Participant)

106

“I came, I saw your artworks then I looked again and saw familiar things differently.

I journey around this building every working day but today I stopped for a

minute and enjoyed being here”

107

108

109

We Came, We Saw...We VenturedProcess

We came to the gallery,we saw inspiring works of art...we created our own response

‘Venture Arts offers an exceptional workshop environment with a creative, supportive and safe atmosphere.”

(David Pilling, Placement Officer, Standguide Limited)

The thing in the roof.

It looked heavy.

It had a metal plate inside.

I saw a face in the man.

A statue.

Circles.

(Venture Arts participants’ responses to Anthony Gormley’s ‘Filter’)

111

112

We Came, We Saw...We Popped Up

The group collaborated to produce a piece inspired by Manchester Art Gallery’s

permanent collection.

Participants created drawings and collages of artworks and then learnt various

textiles techniques to create a patchwork of their chosen image.

113

We Came, We Saw...We Drew

Participants observed and interpreted buildings and spaces in the city. Using

charcoal, the participants created works which were then made into a book.

“The way I fill in the details is following the lines and shapes. If you get stuck something

it’s about taking your time with it.”

114

We Came, We Saw...We Constructed

Inspired by Anthony Gormley’s ‘Filter’, the participants experimented with

different ways of constructing to create surface. The group used different

materials to explore how they can be manipulated to create structures.

115

Venture ArtsAbout Us

Venture Arts has been working in the arts with people who have a learning disability for over twenty years. As an organisation it strives

to further the achievements and careers of those that it works with but also to provide meaningful and stimulating environments which

are so often lacking in people’s lives.

None of this would be possible without the ongoing support from many people and namely in this project: Arts Council of England,

Manchester City Council, the Big Lottery, Trusthouse Charitable Foundation, Baily Thomas Fund and DLA Piper (Manchester)

To find out more about the organisation, contact us: www.venturearts.org,

E: info@venturearts.org T:0161 232 1223

Venture Arts is an Industrial and Provident Society with charitable status No 28604R

Alena AsenbrylCeramics and Jewellery

Kate FreeboroughMixed Media

Katherine LongTextiles & Project Coodinator

Laura NathanSocial Sculpture

James PollittAnimation, Illustration

& Printmaking

Martin LiveseyPhotography

Rachel JonesAdministrative Assistant

Jack HaleFinance Officer

John AdsheadDevelopment Manager

Amanda SuttonManager

Venture Arts Team

Portraits drawn by Leslie Thompson 117

ArtistsOpen Book

Jennifer Ball, Helen Bartlett, Matthew Bell, Max Bentley, Karen Brown, Cindy Buxton, Sandra Cale, Anthony Carrol, Andrew Cavanagh, Lucy Cochrane, Tracey Clarke, Eliza Connelly, Evelyn Cordingley,

Robert Dixon, Caryn Egerton, Ian Emerson, Barry Finan, Darren Gallagher, Maria Gasper, Christina Gellert, Tom Gibbons, Michael Gleave, Mary Ann Gribbin, Clifford Hart, Robert Jones,

Susan Johnson, Thomas Johnson, Barry Jordan, Frank Koffler, Stephen Kovacs, Horace Lindezey, Andrew McCurry, Stewart McDonald, Stephen Murray, Heather Nadim, Susan Parr,

Ernest Part, Philip Pemberton, Jean Potts, Barry Regan, Barbara Ryder, Ellen Seddon, Wayne Tarry, Stephen Thomas, Leslie Thompson, Susan Toye, Stanley Walkden, Tommy Walsh,

Loraine Whitehead, Alan Wilkes, Terry Williams, Kathy Wilmot, Gerald Wright.

Open Book...Pass It OnCameron Brennan, Junshick Chung, Trinnay Connolly, Daniel Evans, Tiana Gardiner, Maria Graham, Ryan Harnett, Jessica Hodgson, Joshua Holden, Jordan Hubbard-Lambert, Remi Hubbard-Lambert,

Faye Hutchinson, Baysiti Jabir, Miva James, Yemsi John, Giovanni Lawrence, Kaitlyn Muldoon, Jake Niebel, Ahlaam Omar, Latima Omar, Lauren Roles, Nino Sakvarelidze, Michael Wong.

We Came, We Saw...We VenturedCyril Brodie, Matthew Bell, Cindy Buxton, Eliza Connolly, Sandra Ellis, Ian Emerson, Michael Gleave,

Clifford Hart, Barry Jordan, Stephen Kovacs, Andrew McCurry, Heather Nadim, Philip Pemberton, Barry Regan, Barbara Ryder, Ellen Seddon, Wayne Tarry, Susan Toye,

Stanley Walkden, Tommy Walsh, Loraine Whitehead, Kathy Wilmot, Gerald Wright.

Acknowledgements

Venture Arts would not be able to continue its work without the genorosity of those that give us their time as volunteers. We would like to take this

opportunity to say thank you to all those who helped during these projects:

Luke Adamson, Grace Allardyce, Claire Allely, Alice Allen, Mika Araki, Donna Baker, John Bowen, Tracy Broad, Sandia Chandra, Chris Clark, Jenny Core, Naomi Curd,

Kate Crossley, Eva Elliott, Georgia Georgiades, Penny Gill, Lucy Harvey, Alex Harwood, Pauline Holt, Barry Hutchinson, Alison Johnston, Natasza Klas, Julie Kerr, Layla Kawafi,

Anna Krippa, Shota Kobayashi, Ciaron Laydon, Ros Marsh, Paulette Martin, Maggie McManus, Paula Medley, Niall Mills, Jane Morris, Andy Oskwarek,

Sylwen Parkins, Charlotte Pryne, Harriet Rowley, Helen Rowe, Andrew Scantlebury, Amy Shanahan, Thomas Shrubsole, Laura Skilbeck, Jonah Stancombe,

Judith Todd, Lauren Watson, Chris Whitehead, Jenny Winstone, David Wolff.

Special Thanks to The Lowry Salford Quays, The People’s History Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, Zion Arts Centre Manchester and

Anne Frank and You at Manchester Cathedral.

Supporters

120