Popular local teacher and craftswoman Sue Quilliam is leading a full team of crafters in the first event of MakeMarket: A Creative Industries Takeover from 28th to 30th July, offering a fun filled few days of creative joy. On offer at the MakeMarket Craft Weekend will be hands-on opportunities for anyone of any age to take part in felting, carving, jewellery and ceramic workshops or just watch the experts at work. Amongst those taking part are Bill Kelly (pewter work), wood carver and sculptor Gavin Carter, Sara Hogg (spinning and wool craft), artists Kate Jerry and Collette Gambell from ArtReach studios, Sue Quilliam (felting and weaving) Helen Young (jewellery) and the chance to contribute to an origami installation by Kirsten Penzes.
And if that’s not enough, musician and singer Ruth Keggin will be holding singing workshops on Thursday and performing over the lunchtime period, and as a special treat Christa McCartney will be there throughout the three days with her harp, playing and inviting people to have a go. And there’s more music on Friday from Cesar Joughin and Friends and on Saturday one of the Island’s busiest and most popular live performers Matt Kelly and Greg Joughin and Friends will also join in the entertainment. Entry to the Market Hall is free, but there may be a small charge for workshops (cash or cheque only).
In keeping with the spirit of the pop up MakeMarket, more crafters and workshops are being added all the time so you can be sure to find something of interest to suit all ages at the Market Hall in Douglas between Thursday 28 and Saturday 30 July: full details can be found on
www.facebook.com/MakeMarketIOM and by following @MakeMarketIOM on Twitter.
Sue Quilliam, who teaches around the Island and runs workshops and events at her own home in Sulby, is thrilled to be co-ordinating the event:
“MakeMarket is such an exciting idea and the Craft weekend is just the start of a whole summer of activities promoting and encouraging this thriving but often overlooked economic sector,” she says.
“It’s no secret that there are a lot of very creative people here, but MakeMarket isn’t just to celebrate their creativity, it is to showcase their professional talents. Craft on the Island isn’t only a hobby, enjoyable though it is. Many of us are working professionals, making a living from our work and adding to the rich tapestry of Island life for everyone.” MakeMarket: A Creative Industries Takeover continues until mid-September and includes a wide range of events for all ages, as well as talks and presentations aimed at Creative Industries professionals. But if your day job is prohibiting you from developing creative ideas, then you might be interested to know that as part of MakeMarket, the Market Hall will be transformed into a ‘maker space’ throughout August with access to technicians and equipment for anyone wishing to flex their creative muscles, and with out-of-hours yoga sessions to open those creative minds.
From craft to yoga, pottery to poetry, all the information is on the MakeMarket Facebook page
www.facebook.com/MakeMarketIOM and you can follow @MakeMarketIOM on twitter to get up to date notifications.
MakeMarket: A Creative Industries Takeover is supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council, Department of Economic Development, Culture Vannin, Manx Lottery Trust and UCM. The initiative is being co-ordinated by UCM and local events and marketing consultancy Revel.
Photo - Matt Kelly performing at Yn Chruinnaght (Courtesy of GaryWeightman/VanninPhotos).