blog
New Art Classes and Courses for 2012
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We are delighted to annouce the Spring program of art classes at the Bluecoat.
A short course in Digital Photography for beginners (ideal for people who have a new camera, but are not quite sure what to do with it!) runs over two Thursday evenings, the 2nd and 9th February, and costs just £35.
Three ten week evening courses, suitable for everyone from complete beginners to those wanting a refresher, will take place from early March: Life Drawing, Introduction to Painting, and Applied Art Sampler. This final course will offer participants a unique opportunity to try a new skill each week for ten weeks, or just dip in and sample something different. With a diverse range of applied art sessions from felt-making to book-binding, lead-lights to paper-making there’s bound to be something here to delight and entertain.
In addition to the evening courses, we will be running our popular Sunday “Photowalks” starting at the Bluecoat, in March and May, in which experienced photographer and teacher Steward Ellett will lead a guided walk around the architectural highlights of Liverpool looking at different ways of capturing photos using various in camera techniques.
Finally, there are new Tuesday afternoon sessions in Life Drawing starting in March; just £16 for three hours tuition in a small group.
For more details and booking information, please see the art classes page.
Christmas Closing
dot-art will be closing at 5pm on Thursday 22nd December, and will re-open at 9am on Tuesday 4th January. Wishing all our friends, customers and collaborators and a very merry christmas and a prosperous new year.
Winter Pop Up Art Shop
Foward Ladies Award Success
The Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards North West 2011 were presented on Thursday 10 November 2011, at a prestigious awards ceremony in at the Midland Hotel in Manchester. dot-art Director Lucy Byrne was delighted to win the Not for Profit Business Woman of the Year Award, for her work with dot-art Services CIC.
Read about the other winners on the Forward Ladies website.
Eat Art at Hotel Indigo
You are invited to join us on Wednesday 30th November for a lunch event with a twist! Enjoy a a delicious two course lunch with wine at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse at Liverpool's newest boutique hotel, Hotel Indigo, while hearing from local artist Alistair Parker, as he give an insight into his working process and the development and creation of his striking and unique works.
Whether entertaining clients, treating staff, or simply for enjoyment, tickets for this unique event are just £20. For more information, menu and booking details, visit the event page.
Winter Art Classes at the Bluecoat
Following the success of a pilot course in September, dot-art Services and the Bluecoat are delighted to announce a full program of art classes and courses for all levels, in a wide range of subjects, starting in November 2011.
Three ten week evening courses, suitable for everyone from complete beginners to those wanting a refresher, will take place from late November: Life Drawing, Introduction to Painting, and Applied Art Sampler. This final course will offer participants a unique opportunity to try a new skill each week for ten weeks. With a diverse range of applied art sessions from felt-making to book-binding, lead-lights to paper-making there’s bound to be something here to delight and entertain and will be a fantastic course for gifts and decorations this festive season.
In addition to the evening courses, there will be monthly full day Saturday sessions in both Life Drawing and Painting, which can be booked individually, as well as Sunday morning “Photowalks” starting at the Bluecoat, in which experienced photographer and teacher Steward Ellett will lead a guided walk around the architectural highlights of Liverpool looking at different ways of capturing photos using various in camera techniques.
For more details and booking information, please see the art classes page.
Alistair J Parker Exhibition
As part of the 2011 Liverpool Design Festival, dot-art is delighted to be exhibiting a selection of prints by nationally and internationally exhibited artist and photographer Alistair J Parker, whose striking and intriguing work is represented by galleries in London, Manchester and Liverpool.
Alistair's unique fine art style explores process and media with a particular emphasis on photography, digital process and experimental mixed media techniques. This results in work with a unique finish and a hauntingly contemporary appeal, increasingly sought after by interior designers and design professionals as well as personal buyers. The adaptability of Alistair's work is demonstrated by its use in wallpaper, and lifestyle accessories and inclusion in advertising and TV commercials.
The artist says: “My work as an artist draws heavily on my experience as a photographer, bringing together a fusion of photography, digital imaging and fine art. The approach taken is highly experimental and combines a range of unconventional materials and processes in addition to the more traditional art media. Subjects are many and varied, my current work involves the observation of people and urban space they occupy, together with a fascination for the rapidly decaying and disappearing urban scene, particularly the classic seaside resort. My current work is influenced by the crossover between street art and fine art."
The exhibition is open to the public from 12-6pm Monday to Friday and by appointment, at dot-art, 16 Queen Avenue, Castle Street, Liverpool, L2 4TX.
Find out more about the Liverpool Design Festival.
dot-art Life Drawing Classes at The Bluecoat
We are delighted to announce new series of art classes we are running in partnership with The Bluecoat, in Liverpool city centre.
From September we will be running a 10 week evening course in Life Drawing, from 6.45-9.30pm on a Tuesday (starting 6th September), as well as daytime sessions (10.30am-3.30pm) on the second Saturday of the month. All courses will be delivered by artist, tutor and long standing dot-art member, Roy Munday.
Full details and booking information can be found here:
A second 10 week session will begin in November, with courses running on a rolling basis and new ones being added as we go along, including Painting and a range of Art Taster Sessions to try new skills.
If you would like more details about these courses, or would like to suggest a subject for our next round of classes, please get in touch.
Courses and Training
dot-art Services is currently running a series of Professional Development and Training Workshops for artists. The sessions fall into two categories; “Meet The Buyer” evening events, and a series of practical full and half day workshops. The former will be informal events designed to give artists the chance to hear directly from a range of commissioners and buyers of artistic services, as well as take part in question and answer sessions. The day time sessions are a specially tailored and highly subsidised series of workshops and courses which have been developed to give artists an invaluable grounding in a wide range of relevant areas, improving skills and increasing employability. These include “Social Media for Artists” and “Setting Up as a Self Employed Artist”, as well as more practical skills such as photographing your work, and life drawing.
See the training page for list of future sessions and booking details.
The dot-art Pop Up Art Shop #2
Metquarter is joining forces with dot-art to launch an exclusive Pop-Up Art Shop for just three days at a time, with this second instalment running from 2nd-4th June 2011. Shoppers will be able to buy original work created by artists from across the region. The aim of the Pop Up Art Shop is to gain exposure and sales for the talented artists of the region, while also giving the public access to quality, affordable art work for their homes, in a friendly, non-gallery environment.
Some of the highlights of this second show include; a series of semi-abstract paintings of trees by Martin Jones, who looks for pattern and structure within apparent randomness and confusion, imposing order and emphasizing repetition of forms and shapes; new work by popular urban artist Nathan Pendlebury, evocative seacapes by South African native Andrew Kinmont and a series of light-hearted paintings of cats by Sophie Green.
The dot-art Pop Up Art Shop is situated on the upper level of the MetQuarter, opposite Cafe Rouge.
Pop Up Opening #2: Thursday 2nd June 4-7pm, Friday 3rd June 11-6pm and Saturday 4th June 11-6pm.
Create a Masterpiece: Drop in Art Workshops
Join us at the BBC Radio Merseyside Performance Space between 5 and 7pm on Light Night and try your hand at creating an artistic masterpiece of your own. All materials and subjects will be supplied, and local professional artists John Kneen and Andy Banks will be on hand to guide you through the process and share advice and tips.
5.30pm John Kneen Demonstration – A Brief Introduction to Painting in Acrylics
John is a Liverpool based artist and highly experienced art teacher who studied Fine Art at Liverpool John Moores University, and has worked with dot-art on a range of projects. He will introduce visitors to the basics of working with acrylic paint
6.30pm Andy Banks Demonstration – A Brief Introduction to Painting in Oils
Andy graduated from the University of Huddersfield in 2008 and has been a studio based artist and educator in Bootle, Liverpool ever since. As well as working with dot-art, the artist has exhibited work across Merseyside and Yorkshire, in galleries such as Conservation Centre Liverpool, Atkinson Gallery in Southport, The CUC Liverpool and The Dean Clough gallery in Halifax. He will introduce visitors to the basics of working with oil paint.
The Performance Space, BBC Radio Merseyside 31 College Lane, Liverpool, L1 3DS
Free, Just turn up!
For more information, see the Light Night Website
The dot-art Pop Up Art Shop
This Spring, dot-art will taking over a key site at the MetQuarter, Liverpool city centre, to offer shoppers the chance to purchase original paintings by local artists. The art shop will “pop-up” for just three days at a time; from 5-7th May and 2-4th June 2011. The aim of the Pop Up Art Shop is to gain exposure and sales for the talented artists of the region, while also giving the public access to quality, affordable art work for their homes, in a friendly, non-gallery environment.
A wide range of work will be on display, from traditional still life to modern abstracts, but all are original paintings by locally based artists and will give any buyer, where seasoned collector or first time purchaser, many years of pleasure! Some of the highlights on show include the street scenes of Gary Beach, whose distinctive work addresses issues of anonymity and isolation as well as capturing the endless motion of urban centres; he describes the city as “a concrete muse that inspires and surprises me.” Also included are stylised Wirral scenes by John Kneen, vibrant interpretations of the North Wales landscape by current Fine Art Masters student David Brightmore, and joyful explorations of colour and light by recent LJMU graduate Sue LeMasurier.
The dot-art Pop Up Art Shop is situated on the upper level of the MetQuarter, opposite Cafe Rouge.
Pop Up Opening #1: Thursday 5th May 4-7pm, Friday 6th May 11-6pm and Saturday 7th May 11-4pm.
Pop Up Opening #2: Thursday 2nd June 4-7pm, Friday 3rd June 11-6pm and Saturday 4th June 11-4pm.
What we do - Infographic
Affordable Artists' Studios Available
We are delighted to announce that we have a number of very affordable, flexible studios / workspaces available in Liverpool City Centre for just £60 per month. The studios are open to both member and non-member artists of dot-art, with members benefiting from a discounted rate. The space is open plan, has windows letting in natural light along two full walls and can be accessed 24 hours a day. Sizes are flexible, and contracts will be on a month-by-month basis.
Full details can be downloaded here or call 0845 017 6660 to arrange a viewing.
The Other Shanghai
Monday 14th February will see the launch of a new photography exhibtion, by Ant-e-Art, to give the viewer an insight into the parts of the city not frequented by or shown to visitors or the media during the World Expo 2010.
The exhibition is part of Liverpool City Council's Shops Upfront Project, and can be seen in the windows of the old Lewis's department store on Renshaw Street, Liverpool City Centre.
Please see our what's on page for more information.
The Benefits of Art in the Workplace
Presentation given by dot-art Director Lucy Byrne at the Barnardos business and professional networking breakfast in Liverpool on Thursday 27th January 2011.
Christmas Closing
dot-art will be closing at 4pm on Thursday 23rd December and reopening at 9am on Tuesday 4th January.
Wishing all our friends, artists, customers and supporters a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to working with you again in 2011!
Expressions of the Sea Exhibition Launch Photos
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Design Festival Prints Available
Following the success of the Kaloseidos exhibition by Matthew Thomas on Bold Street, as part of the Liverpool Design Festival, and due to popular demand, we can now offer large scale prints of the work shown in the festival. All four images (one from Brew and three from Matta's) can be purchased as prints through the dot-art website here, or by calling 0845 017 6660.
Prices start from just £44 for a large scale, high quality print- perfect for Christmas!
dot-MATRIX 2 - Free Event for Artists
dot-art Services continues our series of FREE events for visual artists to meet, create and learn.
The next informal networking and information evenings will take place on Thursday 9th December from 6-8pm, with drinks, nibbles and live music. We will also be hearing from a fantastic guest speaker at each event. This time, we welcome DOROTHY TAYLOR of Business in the Arts, who will be giving us some information about the FREE services the organisation can provide to artists. And as always you will have the chance to find out what dot-art Services is up to and planning for the future, as well as how we can help you.
(Please note the new city centre venue for the event - The Plaza, Old Hall Street, Liverpool)
For more details and to register, please visit dotmatrix2.eventbrite.com
Future 100 Award Success
On the 18th November 2010, dot-art Director Lucy Byrne was named one of the Future 100 Award Winners for 2010. The Future 100 celebrates the achievements of young social entrepreneurs who are running a business with a triple bottom line - generating a commercial income whilst also having a positive impact on the environment and the community.
The Future 100 Awards were first launched in 2008 to recognise and profile young entrepreneurs running businesses, which have a triple bottom line. The definition of a triple bottom line, is a business that addresses people, planet and profit. They have a strong commercial foundation as well as a significant social and environmental impact. The Future 100 Awards recognises the success of young entrepreneurs aged 18-35 who demonstrate entrepreneurial flair and innovation in progressing a responsible business venture. Our definition of responsible business, is one which demonstrates an equal balance between economic, environmental and social goals to achieve ultimate business success. The future of our world is in the hands of individuals who are committed to generating commercial and ethical returns. Challenging economic times can offer opportunities to question the way we operate as both a business community and a society. We award the ‘Future 100' young entrepreneurs who are changing the face of everyday business and improve commerce’s impact on the wider world.
Find out more here: future100.co.uk
Matthew Thomas' Kaloseidos at the Design Festival
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KALOSEIDOS SERIES ON BOLD STREET BY MATTHEW THOMAS IN ASSOCIATION WITH DOT-ART
Flower fractals, metamorphosing nature with 'natures number' - the Fibonacci series. Matthew has created a series of elemental images from exotic flower forms, to meditate or reflect on; an urban oasis of calm in our increasingly complex world. Matthew’s designs adorn the windows of Matta’s and Brew on Bold Street, Liverpool
dot-art is delighted to be part of the The Liverpool Design Festival 2010. Building on the success of the previous year’s events, the festival celebrates and promotes quality design, encouraging an appreciation of craft and design by the widest possible audience, providing opportunities for participation, particularly by young people, in design and artistic appreciation whilst also supporting new and emerging practitioners.
For more information, please visit liverpooldesignfestival.com
New Exhibition at the Mere Grange Gallery
dot-art Artist Success in Photography Competition
dot-art artist Patrick Ferguson has been announced as the runner up in the Travelwise Photography Competition, with the photograph above, "Sightseeing"
Photographers were invited to submit images of popular landmarks and visitor attractions from across the region, as part of a TravelWise competition. To raise awareness of greener, healthier ways of getting from A to B, entries had to incorporate walking, cycling or public transport - all more sustainable alternatives to the car. The winning photographs were on public display during TravelWise Week (20-26 September). The annual sustainable travel awareness week is this year focussing on leisure time - encouraging people to travel by cycle, foot, bus or train when going on days out across Merseyside.
David McNaughton, TravelWise Officer, said: "We want Merseyside residents to make the most of their leisure time and hope that, away from the hustle and bustle of the working week, people will take the time to consider the alternatives to jumping in the car at the weekend. The competition's only two criteria are that the photographs must capture both a popular Merseyside tourist site and sustainable travel. Whether it's a bike ride to the Dream sculpture in St Helens, or a morning stroll past the Gormley statues in Crosby or along New Brighton seafront, there is inspiration right across the region and we can't wait to see what budding local photographers produce when asked to capture the best of what Merseyside has to offer."
Buy Art Fair
We are delighted to announce that dot-art will be taking part in the third annual Buy Art Fair, which will take place from 28th-31st October 2010. This year’s event is moving to the Spinningfields district of Manchester city centre, taking place in a large spacious semi permanent pavilion.
The largest art fair outside London, this will be the only place for Northern collectors and enthusiasts to see a huge number of galleries together under one roof. With galleries and cultural partners from all over the North West and wider UK, the Buy Art Fair has now become a regular fixture on Manchester’s art scene offering talks by prominent collectors, artist interviews and advice on starting an art collection on a budget. There are more than 65 galleries exhibiting and selling the work of over 400 artists. Buy Art Fair is a great place to visit for art professionals, art lovers, novice and established collectors as well as anyone interested in buying and learning about contemporary art.
We will be showcasing the work of: Anna Cade, Roy Munday, Dave Bullock, Richard Pryke, Susan Lee Brown, Tony Evans, Danny Hampson and Simon Birtall.
To register for FREE tickets, please visit buyartfair.co.uk/register
Visual Artists CPD / Training Survey
We are currently conducting research into the demand for Professional Development and Skills training for artists in the North West. The information we gather will help form the basis of a series of funding applications, to allow us to offer a range of valuable training and development opportunities for visual artists across the region. There are only five multiple choice questions, (see below) so we promise it won't take up too much time! Thanks very much for your help.
Liverpool Chamber of Commerce 160th Anniversary Art Exhibition
Liverpool Chamber is celebrating its anniversary year with an exhibition of Liverpool themed artwork. The exhibition opened at the 08 Place in Whitechapel on Thursday 15th July and runs until Friday 10th September 2010. (more details here)
The exhibition was suggested by the Chamber's Arts & Culture Committee and has been curated by Lucy Byrne of local arts organisation, dot-art. The city of Liverpool is the reason that the Chamber exists - the port and the industries that were attracted to it where what made the city grow. The exhibition features work by eleven local artists and focuses on diverse themes of Liverpool life from distinctive cityscape, maritime culture and visitor attractions to heritage and popular aspects of local life. Maresa Molly the Chamber's Head of Policy & Information said:
"We are celebrating the chamber's anniversary while also recognising that arts and culture is a key driver of our economy. We are keen to use this as an opportunity to bring corporate buyers, visitors and members of the public in contact with some of the art being produced in the city at the moment. We chose the 08 place for its footfall and reach within these sectors. We hope this exhibition will provide commercial opportunities for the artists taking part."
Exhibiting artists: Matthew Thomas, Susan Finch, Gary Beach, Alan McKernan, Michelle Burrows, Daniel John, Dan Forrest, Joe Forrest, Joe Thompson, Richard Pryke and Jane Adams.
Merseyside Women of the Year Awards 2010
On Friday 2nd July, the Hilton Hotel Liverpool hosted the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards 2010, where dot-art Director Lucy Byrne was delighted to be awarded the Runner Up Award in the Arts and Culture Category.
Organiser Jean Gadsby said: "This is the eighth year of these fabulous awards, but the first time that me and my team have run the event. We had 75 nominations this year, which is by far the most yet, so it was a really difficult task for the Judges to pick the category winners."
Art @ The Orchard - Un / Familiar
A look at the work of two artists - Matthew Thomas and Andrew Collin - who take familiar objects and images, and manipulate them in various ways to create new, interesting and often visually confusing works of art.
Andrew is an experimental, semi-abstract photographer whose images deliberately confuse 2D and 3D surfaces, to create ambiguity. He particularly tries to create original work, often from the simplest objects and scenes. The works are produced in ongoing series, and new series are introduced if experiments produce results of interest.
Matthew is a photographer who merges the “decisive moment” with concept and montage. He says: “I use photography and digital imaging technologies to create visceral layers that question historical and cultural concepts of time and space. Each project often consists of multiple works, grouped around specific themes and meanings. During research and production new areas of interest arise and lead to the next body of work... The concrete, repetitive nature of this work frees my imagination and provides many opportunities for a "happy accident" to influence the finished product.”
Exhibition runs 11th June - 20th August 2010
See the what's on page for more details...
dot-MATRIX Event
Events for Artists to Meet, Create and Learn
MATRIX (def): "A situation or surrounding substance within which something else originates or develops..."
Building on the success of our launch event in March, dot-art Services will be running a series of FREE events for visual artists to meet, create and learn. The first of these informal networking and information evenings will take place on Wednesday 16th June from 6-8pm, with food provided by the excellent Souperfood and live music from Loungecore. We will also be hearing from a fantastic guest speaker at each event. For the first event, we welcome IAN JACKSON of artinliverpool.com, who will be giving us some background to his organisation, a round up of current activities, and how you can get involved. And as always you will have the chance to find out what dot-art Services is up to and planning for the future, as well as how we can help you.
To register for FREE tickets, please visit: dotmatrix.eventbrite.com