What's on and coming up?
- Sam Luxford
- May 21
- 3 min read
🎨 A creative summer is gathering pace
Over the past few weeks, there’s been a lovely sense of momentum building - not just in the Sail Loft and the shop, but right across Manningtree.
The Affordable Art Show has settled in beautifully upstairs. Visitors are taking their time, conversations are flowing, and it’s been lovely watching people discover work from artists they may not have come across before.
One of the nicest comments we've heard recently was:
"It feels like a gallery where you don't need to feel intimidated."
That was very much the intention.
With everything in the exhibition priced under £100, people seem more relaxed. They browse longer, ask more questions, and often discover something unexpected.
The exhibition continues until 30th May, so there’s still plenty of time to visit if you haven’t made it upstairs yet.
🌈 Manningtree Has Pride
One of the things I love about Manningtree is how many community events are packed into such a small town.
On Saturday 6th June, Manningtree Has Pride returns, bringing together music, creativity, performance, sport and community across twelve different venues.
There'll be live music, drag performances, comedy, food, sport and plenty more happening throughout the day. The event raises funds for local charities including Acorn Village and is entirely community-driven.
NaviStitch will be open as usual throughout the day, so if you're visiting Manningtree for Pride, do pop in and say hello.
♻ Reclaim : Reborn
While Affordable Art is still running, preparations are already underway for our next exhibition:
Reclaim : Reborn : 3rd - 27th June
Part of the Manningtree Earth Festival, this exhibition focuses on art and objects made from reclaimed, repurposed and recycled materials.
I’ve always loved seeing what artists can create when they look at materials differently, and I think this exhibition is going to have a really distinctive character. More on the artists taking part very soon.
🌍 The Earth Festival and creative reuse
The Manningtree Earth Festival is one of those events that manages to feel both inspiring and practical.
Rather than simply talking about environmental issues, it explores the many positive things individuals, organisations and communities can do.
That spirit of creative reuse runs through several of the workshops taking place here at NaviStitch.
🌼 Flower Head Collage Workshop
Using recycled papers and handmade paper created from recycled cotton fibres, we'll create embroidered floral artworks where every piece becomes completely unique.
If you have papers with personal meaning - old maps, sheet music, book pages, wrapping paper - you're welcome to bring them along.
🧵 New workshops with Mae Kandoo
I'm also delighted to be hosting textile artist Mae Kandoo as part of the Earth Festival.
Mae will be running:
🪡 Visible Mending
Learning practical and decorative techniques to repair and celebrate well-loved clothing rather than hiding wear and tear.
✨ Versatile Visibility Pins
Creating embroidered wearable pieces using reclaimed high-visibility workwear and reflective materials.
Both workshops beautifully combine creativity, sustainability and practical skills.
⛵ Summer workshops continue
Alongside the Earth Festival events, there are still places available on several upcoming workshops:
⛵ Sew a Boat Taster Sessions
🌊 Coastal Workshop
🌼 Flower Head Collage
🌊 Coastal Collage
🌊 On the Shoreline
One of the nicest things recently has been seeing people start with a taster session and gradually develop their own style and confidence.
You can find all current workshop dates and booking links here.
🛍 Small creative projects at home
Not everyone can make it to a workshop, which is why I've continued developing kits and tutorials that can be enjoyed at home.
The Sailing Boat Paper Embroidery Kit remains particularly popular and includes:
⛵ everything needed to get started
🎥 step-by-step online tutorial
➕ optional extension packs
Perfect for rainy afternoons, gifts, holidays or simply a little creative time to yourself.
🖼 Looking ahead...
After Reclaim : Reborn comes another local favourite:
Art Around the Walls: 1st – 11th July
A celebration of creativity across Manningtree and Mistley, bringing artists, venues and visitors together throughout the area.
More details on that very soon.
💌 Thank You
Whether you've visited the Affordable Art Show, joined a workshop, picked up a kit, commissioned a piece, had something framed or simply followed along online - thank you.
It's a real privilege to be part of such a creative and supportive community.
Calm waters and plain sailing,
Sam
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