As we formed back in 2017, we thought you might like to read about the activities we have undertaken since then and share some of our plans for the future ...
Norham Turner Trail
We drafted and designed the Norham Turner Trail.
The first board was unveiled in May 2019 by renowned Turner expert, Professor David Hill.
After a lot of fundraising, we completed the trail in December 2019.
Trail maps are available from Norham Village Shop, Norham Church, Norham Village Hall, The Masons Arms, Berwick Visitors Centre and can be found at www.norhamlife.co.uk
We ran ‘Painting in the Style of Turner’ workshops on the riverbank
We held an exhibition of specially commissioned contemporary artworks inspired by Turner.
We hosted an exciting exhibition of artwork by children, entitled
‘Painting in the Style of Turner’, and had a school visit day, attended by 113 young children. They saw their artwork mounted, framed, and hung in Norham Church, they sketched on the riverbank, and enjoyed lots of activities relating to the art exhibitions.
Visitors said,
‘Super exhibition - the hall looks amazing - befitting of a city gallery. Well thought out exhibits.’
‘So proud it is in Norham.’
‘Very atmospheric to hear about Turner in a place that so inspired him!’
Norham Community Creates
Covid struck before we could hold our next major event so, during the first lockdown, NAG invited residents to participate in a digital exhibition.
People said,
‘What an interesting collection - and variety - of different art works.’
‘Congratulations on all your efforts in pulling them together. The lockdown period has proved to be very productive and creative.’
‘Thank you so much for all your work and inspiration to put all this together.' 'What an interesting cross-sectional view of the talents in a small community. I do not know how one might do it, but it should have a wider airing!’
Let the Flowers Speak
In July of this year, Norham Arts Group hosted a talk about the language of flowers in art by David Mitchell (broadcaster and Chair of Scotlands Garden Scheme), an art exhibition by local artists and a children’s art exhibition.
The pupils of Norham St Ceolwulf’s C of E First School visited the exhibitions in the hall and the church and enjoyed some fun activities.
On the same weekend, Norham in Bloom hosted Open Gardens, and Norham Natural Environment Group held an exhibition about Margaret Rebecca Dickinson, a Victorian botanic artist who lived in the village.
Visitors said:
‘An absolute delight. So thoughtfully put together and so unexpected to see such high quality work in this context. Norham is punching well above its weight. Thank you for an inspiring day’. Emily Cropton, Connecting Threads
‘A wonderful display of artistic skills. The Village Hall makes a great gallery!’
'Beautifully hung in your wonderful village hall. Lots of work to love here. - Foldyard’
An Introduction to Collage using Everyday Materials
In October Norham Arts Group facilitated a collage morning. This was a sell-out event at which experienced teacher, Maryrose Blythe, took us on an exciting journey creating artwork using the technique of collage. There was a considered mix of demonstrations and opportunities to try out new skills.
Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to mix with friends and meet new people over refreshments that included a freshly baked lemon drizzle cake!
Feedback was extremely positive.
‘A really fab morning’
‘Absolutely lovely morning.’
‘Thank you so much for a wonderful morning. I feel really inspired and appreciate all the care, attention and goodies!’
‘Very inspirational session with a generous tutor. Thank you’
‘What an amazing morning you all provided. I feel very privileged to have participated’
‘The art of collage, until today a new experience, was very inspiring. Although I began making notes, the information was more than I could absorb or write down, so MORE please Mary Rose! Friendly faces, coffee and lemon drizzle cake (mmmm), and Mary Rose's efficient description of various techniques, added up to the best outing I've had since beginning of Covid. A picture frame apiece was simply delightful and told us more about our efforts than I'd expected. ‘
What next???
We have some more workshops coming up. Thank you so much for your suggestions at the Drop-in event and subsequently.
While still in the early stages, we are developing some exciting plans to explore what living by the River Tweed means to people across this community. Please start thinking about your own individual stories as we are hoping to begin with them!
Our next Norham Arts Group Open Art Exhibition ( 24-27 June 2022 ) is to be on the theme of Life On and Beside the River Tweed.
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To contact us about any of the items included in this newsletter or with ideas for future projects related to the arts:
Or telephone 01289 382280
Or speak to Victoria Craig, Bren Moody or Sue Churchill.