What's on and coming up

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

There's just a few more days to enjoy our Our Art Around The Walls Exhibition - it ends on Saturday (19th July). Showcasing 10 talented local artists from the local art trail: Amanda Clement-Robinson, Anne Simmonds, Becky Moss, Gem Gooding, Kay Lucas, Liesel Kennedy, Madeline Tapp, Sue Bedford, Sophie Taplin and myself of course. A diverse range of styles, mediums and subject matter. Framed and unframed works and greetings cards, there really is something for everyone.

Next up

Next up is the extremely talented Chris Harvey - Woodturning Artist extraordinaire! He's returning to our Sail Loft Gallery with his sculptural wood-turned forms.

It’s going to be stunning! He will also be bringing some work along by photographer Christian Davies, keep an eye out for his large panoramic print of Mistley.

Following Chris is the Walton Arts and Photographic Society Exhibition from 5th to 16th August featuring 5 fabulous female artists:

Jane Andrews with her fine detailed pet portraits and wildlife;

Maria Thorn, a new artist painting the natural world, wildlife and the sea;

Duffy Tomei - Sail Loft veteran using a variety of media to depict the natural world;

Annette Evans, a figurative and semi-abstract artist inspired by life, nature and memories; and

Claire Day using her memory bank of images of the countryside, country gardens and seascapes to paint the illusion of a place, time and emotion.

New workshops

I have some seriously exciting news to share. I have always been quite secretive about my NaviStitch techniques but over the last 18 months or so my work has evolved. I am working with watercolours and adding embroidery and I have decided to share my techinques and tips for embroidering on paper. I am running 2 short workshops on Saturday 23rd August in our shop on Manningtree High Street. The morning session is botanical themed and the afternoon session is coastal themed. A special price if you book both sessions, you can find all the details and book here. Every student will leave with a mini masterpiece, new skills and the tools to carry on at home.

In Manningtree

There are always so many reasons to visit our amazing town of Manningtree and this week is no exception with the 20th Manningtree Beer Festival this weekend.

The following weekend brings Manningtree Regatta sharing the weekend with the Grand Theatre of Lemmings Streets Alive event. Its going to be a fabulous day with street entertainment, stalls food and many of the High Street shops open (including us of course). And best of all its free to attend to help celebrate 40 years of the Lemmings Theatre.

And finally...

Just a little reminder that applications are now open for our upcoming Autumn Art Exhibition and we’re inviting artists to apply! Whether you’re a returning exhibitor or new to the Sail Loft, this is your chance to be part of a vibrant seasonal showcase. We welcome applications in all mediums including textile, photography and 3D work.

The deadline to apply is 9th August. All the details, including how to take part, can be found on our website here.

Until next time...

As always, I'm in the NaviStitch shop most days - call in and see me, or get in touch if you fancy chatting about exhibiting, about nautical stitched commissions, about bespoke framing, or if you just fancy a chat!

I wish you calm waters and plain sailing.

Sam