mailout art changing lives 22


FEATURE


Prism Arts seeks to offer an exciting and challenging arts and social development programme for older people throughout Cumbria. The idea for the Spinning Yarns project came about after Prism Arts worked with Age Concern in Carlisle on a dance project. Prism Arts was also inspired by an inter-generational project in Barrow which Barrow Age Concern had organised with local schools. Through taster days that Prism Arts offered the local community, a need for accessible arts activities for older people throughout Cumbria was identified. One activity, reminiscing, was called Spinning Yarns, as in telling a tale. So the idea for this project was born.


Spinning Yarns offers arts activities for people aged 55 and over throughout Cumbria.


Dear Prism Arts,


On hitting my mid-fifties, I decided to rearrange my regular work-schedule and designate Wednesdays a mid-week oasis, with creativity a priority. Almost immediately, I heard about an art class starting locally – on Wednesday afternoons! Synchronicity in action! That was my introduction to ‘Spinning Yarns’.


I attempted watercolours, which had previously proved ‘challenging’. However, under tutor Mare’s enthusiastic instruction, I soon grew in confidence.


Then in May, two years ago, I had a serious accident, fainting and falling headfirst through a glass door. Instantly life-changing! Doubly unfortunate, this coincided with the start of a new class – feltmaking. So, despite my face being a Frankenstein-esque patchwork of stitches,I decided to brave it and go. The felting class was just what I needed – therapeutic, relaxing, fun, creative, and so totally absorbing… I forgot to feel sorry for myself!


At the end of the course, Julie, our tutor, reminded us about Woolfest, a 2-day ‘celebration of all things woolly’. There, I saw a different felting technique, and that evening I made a small needle- felted bear out of raw Herdwick fleece.


Unbeknown to me this sequence of apparently insignificant events was also to prove life- changing! I entered the bear into the local show handicrafts section, where it won first prize. Encouraged, I made another; then several more. I called them my ‘Fell-Teds’©.


I created individual names, characters and little stories about them. These tales became ‘The Fell- Ted Chronicles’©, children’s storybooks which I wrote, and illustrated – in watercolour!


Then, I set up my own publishing company (3WME) and launched the first three titles last May, just one year after my accident, (from which I luckily made a speedy and full recovery). Currently, the fourth Fell-Ted title is in production. Also, by popular demand, Fell-knit-Ted© kits; so anyone can enjoy making their own. Both these products are being launched in June at Woolfest 2010, where I’m also demonstrating felting, alongside Julie, my felting tutor!


So, thank you Spinning Yarns for making accessible the opportunity to experience new arts and crafts in a sociable setting; for enriching my life and contributing greatly to my recovery. I have enjoyed learning new skills, making new friends, and as a result, discovering I am an author and artist! Without your activities neither the Fell-Teds nor their storybooks would exist.


These days I write and paint, visit schools and events, read the books, run felting workshops, show how the Fell-Teds are made and present the inspiring ‘Story Behind the Stories’. It’s never too late to learn something new!


Signed Lesley Munro


The Fell-teds have their own website W: www.fell-teds.com Dear Pegasus


I got more & more into drama at school and was looking for somewhere to go to do drama outside of school. I discovered that Pegasus Theatre was just down the road from my school so I went along and signed up!


Every single time I walk into a rehearsal room for a Pegasus project, I know it’s bound to be an experience. Time after time it remains a highlight of my week, no matter what I feel about the parts that I’m playing that day. From the opening catch up with all my friends to the reluctant goodbyes at the end, every moment feels like a special one. I mean this all genuinely. I am not being paid to write this, and I’m not getting any extra credit. I’m writing this because I think anybody even remotely interested in drama would find Pegasus to be a truly fulfilling experience.


I won’t pretend it isn’t difficult at times, particularly if you want to get the very best out of the production, but this is never a problem. The simple fact is, you will want to get the best out of it, whether it is playing games, helping create a new scene or rehearsing an old one.


It is important to remember that, as well as having a lot of input into the creative process, you have help from the directors. Who not only give you expert instructions and set up the whole thing, but are always open to answering your questions and taking your ideas into account.


It seems strange to me that, little over a year ago, I’d had only a tiny amount of experience in Pegasus projects. Right now it seems like one of those things that I can’t imagine being without.


Sam George Oxford Youth Theatre Company Member, Pegasus Theatre.


For 45 years, Pegasus has pioneered theatre and arts education work with young people, the local community and professional artists at the start of their career. We have a track record for delivering high quality, accessible and inspiring activities that encourage people to take part in the arts. Pegasus is indeed a special place for creativity.


They believe in long term engagement with young people on in-depth projects where they can grow and have fun. Pegasus holds a special place in the hearts and minds of all who cross its path. It is a place where life long friendships are made and where young people are able to enjoy growing up and learning about the world through cultural activities as well as achieve amazing creative results.


www.pegasustheatre.org.uk


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