March 2002
I had seen the space some time earlier and felt it would make a wonderful space to exhibit silk. I had the vision of it filled with colour and pattern I booked it in the name of the Essex Branch, (which didn't exist at that time) and gave it the working title of 'Jewels in Silk'. Not the way Exhibitions are normally planned, but both the vision and the working title proved to be spot on.
Having acquired the space we now had to fill it - and there was a lot of space. Many of our meetings were then taken up with discussion or planning for 'the Big Day'. We worked as a wonderful team, full of good ideas and very supportive. We produced a great catalogue, and poster for advertising, advertised locally and even arranged for a Preview Evening. A team of members, with an overall Coordinator, volunteered their services to organize the display itself. Some work was for sale. Sales were dealt with by the very cooperative library staff, so we didn't have to have members present on a daily basis throughout the month long exhibition, for which we are very grateful.
For me, holding the vision was important, but when the day came to put everything together, we didn't really know how much or what we would have to display. This seemed like a huge leap into the unknown. Fourteen members displayed work, but I didn't know if we would have enough to fill the space. We hadn't actually been able to gather all the work together prior to display. The word Trust became my oft-repeated mantra.
The day came to mount the Exhibition, and I sat alone in the library, looking at the empty cabinets and vast blank wall, and seriously wondered whether this was going to work, and felt that it was a very public place if it were to fail. I wanted it to look good and be an opportunity to show the diversity and varied possibilities that Silk offers. I needn't have worried. Soon members were arriving with all the work for display. Work included beads, bags, cards, scarves, ties, boxes cushions, wall hangings and about 80 framed pictures.
There was such a vast array of work, so varied and of such a good standard. At the end of a very hard day, mounting and displaying work, we all agreed that it looked magnificent, it was a wonderful showcase for Silk Painting, real 'Jewels in Silk'. We were able to share in the celebration at our Preview Evening, with friends and family.
Some members sell their work regularly at craft fairs; others work to commission or teach, whilst some members paint purely for their own pleasure. There were a few large pieces of work, a large surcoat, wall hangings and a three-paneled screen, already completed and waiting in the wings for an opportunity to be exhibited. One member had just completed a City and Guilds course and the Exhibition was a wonderful opportunity to display her coursework.
For many, this was the first time of exhibiting in such a way. Certainly for the Branch, it became the focus for many meetings, and also a wonderful way to get to know each other. On reflection I realize it was a very steep learning curb for us all, very hard work and there may be some things I would do differently next time. It was so well received by the Library, with some very positive and affirming comments from the public in our 'Visitors Comments Book'. We sold over a 1,000 GBP of goods, but maybe the main aim was publicity for the Guild and Silk Painting, not just sales. We all learned a tremendous amount, it has given us new interest and lots of confidence. We have gained some new members and others interested in workshops. They have invited us back to exhibit I the Library, as it was so popular, but we won't be planning another one just yet.
A great year, Happy Birthday to all Essex Members, and thanks for making it such a memorable one, where to from here? SUE THOMAS