Here's what's happening in our creative space, the Sail Loft, the NaviStitch shop, and on Manningtree High Street over the coming weeks...
In the Sail Loft...
Up until and including Saturday, we're hosting a massively talented father and son in our Sail Loft Gallery: NaviStitch friend and photographer TazzyBro Photography is sharing our gallery space, bringing his 'Making the Leap' exhibition - his journey turning his passion into his career. Joining him is his dad, artist MATTRéSS, with his exhibition 'Poems for the Blind'. We'd love you to come and enjoy their work.
Tazz will also be in the shop tomorrow (Friday), so come and chat to him if you can.
We've also got Tazzy's 2025 calendars in the NaviStitch shop - they'd make a beautiful Christmas gift (just saying!)
Up next...
From 16th November, we're incredibly excited to be opening our Christmas Pop-up Shop. We'll be open 7 days a week, and we've got around 40 incredible artists and makers from around the region bringing you their creativity; some you'll have met in our Sail Loft Gallery previously, others are newcomers and they bring exciting work that we know will fit even the most awkward of stockings!
Our preview evening is next Friday, 15th November from 4pm-8pm - you're all welcome, plus you'll have the chance to meet some of our fabulously creative makers and chat about their work!
In the NaviStitch shop
I'm not sure that I've told you about NaviStitch Gift Vouchers before? So here goes: I've got NaviStitch Gift Vouchers for you to buy in any denomination - they're redeemable against products in the NaviStitch shop - even commissions.
The only thing you can't use them for is Sail Loft exhibitions (because material belongs to the artist).
Just ask!
We've printed a second run of our 5 winning Manningtree Christmas card designs - they're in the NaviStitch shop ready for you, and they're available online
A pack of 6, 15cm square Christmas cards with envelopes is £8 and 50% of the sales price will be donated to the Manningtree Stour Valley Rotary Club to support local charities.
This incredible farewell gift to Manningtree was painted by William Huntingdon just two weeks before his wedding day, as he prepared to leave the town for a new adventure in New York.
The painting, a tribute to his deep affection for his hometown, has now been left behind as a gift for the community, so it may continue to bring joy and benefit to those who call it home, whilst raising money for local youth group My Blue Pass.
Framed by Nick Holyman Framing "Swan Song" is being raffled for £2 per ticket, available from us. The lucky winner will be drawn at 3pm on Saturday, 28th December in the NaviStitch shop.
Two more dates for the diary...
We're going to be introducing you to our Christmas pop-up shop artists and makers over the coming days and weeks but, before we begin, let's make sure you've got all the festive dates in your diary...
NaviStitch Christmas Pop-up Shop starts 16th November
Manningtree Christmas Market: 7th December
Mistley Quay Christmas Fayre: 14th December
And now for something different...
A year ago My Special Home Magazine was launched - a publication focused on Manningtree and the surrounding area. Issue Number 5 is out now - the November/December edition and it's all about Christmas - take a look at the front cover from Tazzy Bro ... you'll find the NaviStitch shop and our Christmas Pop-up on a couple of pages too!
And finally...
If you're an artist or maker, we've now got our calendar open for 2025 bookings. Take a look at details of how to book
Think creatively too - our space is not just for individual exhibitions, consider collaborations - If you're a fledgling artist or maker and want to enter the world of exhibiting, let us know and we can help you with introductions, with display materials and with advice.
Until next time...
If you're making memories and would like to celebrate them, or you know someone who's celebrating and would like to mark the occasion, or add something fabulously memorable to someone's Christmas list, think about commissioning a piece of nautical stitched art.
Take a look at how easy it is to order your own unique piece created from maritime charts, both new and old - many of them fairly local. Always ask if you're looking for somewhere special - I've a huge collection.
Now that we can also take orders for bespoke framing in-store, the whole thing's as easy
Until next time, I wish you calm waters and plain sailing
Sam
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