Here's what's happening in our creative space, the Sail Loft, above the NaviStitch shop on Manningtree High Street over the coming weeks, as well as other Manningtree events...
Firstly a massive 'thank you'
To all of you that visited us, and all the other artists, on the Art Around the Walls trail - it was a roaring success! A fantastic turnout of visitors and several pieces finding their way to new homes. We're sure we've put Manningtree, Mistley and Lawford on people's creative maps too so another job well done!
In the Sail Loft...
We're excited for our Summer Exhibition happening from Saturday - artists have brought their work in and we're busy displaying everything. The exhibition runs from Saturday until 29th July.
We're holding a preview evening tomorrow from 5pm to 8pm. Please feel free to join us and meet some of the artists behind this amazing collection of creative work.
For a full list of artists exhibiting, take a look here - here's a quick run-through of them all!
And then...
Here's a little sneak preview of what's happening next month
From 2nd to 5th August we've got Eleana Marshall joining us for her second exhibition before heading off to university to study Illustration - she enjoys painting on slate, stone and wood. Eleana's joined by Nicola Burton who is an 'eggshell artist' - she repurposes the eggs that her chickens lay to produce sustainable, statement art.
From 9th to 19th August we're joined by Miranda Grayling, Marian Lishman, Jo Clavier, Alison Adcock, Spadge Hopkins and Cally James and their works which include contemporary artworks, ceramics and metal sculptures.
And finally next month, from 23rd August to 2nd September, Anne Plummer will be bringing her spectacular maritime paintings. An old friend of the Sail Lofts, we know that she's a popular artists amongst our visitors.
To find out more about what's happening in our Sail Loft throughout the year, take a look at our calendar
In Manningtree...
We'd like to welcome Dial Lane Books to Manningtree - Andrew has taken over The Tree, our Business Chamber -owned pop-up shop space for a residency of 13 weeks - he is Ipswich's only independent bookstore and fancied 'branching out' over the border (see what we did there?!) Best of luck to our new neighbours for the foreseeable - great to have you making our High Street even more interesting!
Friday 14th and Saturday 15th July is Manningtree's Beer Festivals - held in a marquee on Quay Street, there are 34 beers, and ciders, prosecco and wine. There's also a barbecue and live music on Saturday.
If you're coming down on Friday, we're open until 4pm; Saturday we're open from 10am to 4pm so there's not excuse not to combine nautical stitched art and a fabulous creative exhibition, with a bit of research to find your favourite tipple too.
And finally...
Here's are a series of commissions that I've undertaken and enjoyed working on recently:
The first one is an unusual one as I used two maps - of Colchester and Livingston. The two locations are just a little bit too far inland to be on my usual charts so we used OS maps for this one. The two locations represent the home town for each half of a couple forming the heart in stitch to make a whole.
The second one was gifted to a lady who spent her 70th Birthday in a beach hut in Southwold with her family, who are all named within the piece. The commissioning customer had some ideas on what she wanted included in the piece and has just sent me this lovely testimonial: 'Just wanted to let you know that my friend was really delighted with her gift. She said it was so unique and special and made her cry in a good way, which was exactly the reaction I hoped for. Many thanks again for all your work and making my vision a reality.'
The third commission is of Falmouth Harbour and is a wedding gift for a couple that enjoy wild swimming here. There are 3 spots on the chart where they swim from.
Finally, a piece of nautical stitched art set in Bawdsey on the River Deben. It's a present for a Dad's birthday, and it's where he lives - you can pick his house out on the chart if you look carefully!
Take a look at how simple it is to commission a complete bespoke piece of nautical stitched art, evoking all kinds of fantastically nautical memories.
Next week, I'm in the galley of Sailing Barge Thalatta, back in the shop on Saturday - hoping for calm seas and perfect maritime weather. Mr NaviStitch will be at your service in the shop from Wednesday to Friday - do call in and say hello if you get a chance.
Until next time, I wish you calm waters and plain sailing
Sam