Historic changes open up ISM

Musicians' body streamlines joining

The musicians' professional body, the Incorporated Society of Musicians, is simpler to join after members overwhelmingly supported historic changes to the Society's rules.

For the first time, musicians can join the ISM on the basis of their qualifications or experience alone, without the need to be recommended by two members of the Society. The historic decision was taken at the ISM's Annual General Meeting on 16 April.

ISM Chief Executive, Deborah Annetts, said:

'These changes make the ISM even more open and inclusive. As a professional body, we're interested in what you know - not who you know.

'The ISM is a uniquely independent voice for the whole music profession. Our members include performers, composers, class teachers, private teachers, academics and therapists working in all musical genres.

'Applying for ISM membership has never been easier, so we're looking forward to welcoming many more musicians to benefit from our excellent legal services, comprehensive insurance cover and opportunities for professional development.'

2009 Haydn, Mendelssohn Handel & Purcell Anniversary Events

Choirs are invited to register in performing Mendelssohn’s “O for the Wings of a Dove” as part of a nationwide Mendelssohn celebration from Friday 8 May to Sunday 10 May. Choirs may schedule their performance in any chosen location during the weekend in question. For more information visit www.choirs.org.uk/mendelssohn.html and for details of BBC Radio 3 Composers of the Year visit www.bbc.co.uk/composers/

North Somerset Arts Week

Open Studio week throught North Somerset including exhibitions and performance art involving schools and students as well as professional artists. Over 300 artists will be taking part spread across 120 venues. 1-10 May 2009. Brochures are available throughout the county or are available by post. Please see website http://www.northsomersetarts.org.uk/ for further details

21st Century Stitchers Exhibition

2 May 2009 – 4 July 2009

If you cling to the notion that embroidery is a genteel art that has had its day prepare to be surprised.

Showcasing contemporary work from six innovative textile artists; Anita Bruce, Jill Flower, Julianne Long , Lee Mattocks, Harriet Maxwell and Alison Mercer, this exhibition confirms that embroidery today is an expressive medium that can be powerful, challenging, witty and beautiful.

Jill Flower and Julianne Long both use recycle materials to create exuberant three dimensional pieces bursting with colour and texture. Jill Flower stitches together pages from books and magazines and adorns them with beads and buttons to create historically inspired ruffs referencing our development from child to adult whilst Julianne Long’s vibrant work has been described as a “symphony of junk” drawing attention to the wastefulness of our consumer society. Colour also characterises Lee Mattocks’ hand and machine decorated garments and accessories which are infused with surrealism bringing an unexpected, quirky element to a traditional craft.

At first glance Harriet Maxwell’s stunning large scale portraits might be mistaken for paintings but closer inspection reveals a tactile cloth manipulated and transformed through stitch. Anita Bruce also plays with scale in her sculptures which reconstruct and magnify microscopic life forms in simple looped stitches. By contrast Alison Mercer is an embroiderer who uses stitch to explore and express the relationship between the self and the outside world. She is also fascinated by the influence of the past upon the present and her contemplative pieces are a moving manifestation of her conscious and subconscious self.

Curated by The Embroiderers’ Guild, the UK’s leading charity promoting embroidery and supporting emerging and established artists.

Admission Free

Gallery Open: Mon, Thurs, Fri:10.00am-6.00pm; Tue & Sat: 10.00am-5.00pm; Wed: 10.00am-8.00pm; Closed on Sundays.

tel: 020 8943 1229

email: lszygenda@embroiderersguild.com

visit: www.embroiderersguild.com

Just for Kids 14 November 2009 – 6 February 2010

Call for exhibitors:

Bilston Craft Gallery is seeking innovative and fun craft and design for children by national and regional makers and designers for a selling exhibition this winter.

The exhibition will highlight the breadth of products being handmade for this market to inspire young families when purchasing products for children, and to introduce children to the notion of handmade.

We are looking for makers and designers who:

• Produce exclusively for the children/baby market;
• Create customised or commemorative pieces for special occasions such as the birth or Christening of a child.

Types of work we are seeking include:

• Toys and child friendly automata
• Clothing and accessories
• Furniture and furnishings
• Pictures and decorative items for children’s rooms
• Children’s book illustrations with a craft edge
• Commemorative silverware, ceramics, and textiles e.g. quilts

For a brief and application form, please contact Valerie Plummer at:

Bilston Craft Gallery
Mount Pleasant
Bilston
Wolverhampton
West Midlands
WV14 7LU

T: 01902 552507
F: 01902 552504

valerie.plummer@wolverhampton.gov.uk
W: www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/bilston

It's all about art

Art Workshops & Demonstrations
There will be plenty of opportunities to take part in workshops, relax and learn at one of the demonstrations or meet one of your favourite artists...no pre-booking required!

How do they do that...or...How do I use that?

Watch the experts show you how...from creating your art materials to trying out products such as Kopykake Projectors, Longridge Mount Cutters and Tracedown.

SAA Home Shop Experience

Experience the SAA Home Shop like never before! Try out products and materials for yourself and take advantage of one of the many special offers!

How to book tickets:

SAA members advance ticket price £5.00 / £6.00 on the door (Quote: AE091)

Non members advance ticket price £7.00 / £9.00 on the door (Quote: AE092)

SAA art clubs & RSC groups can bring all members at a special price of £6.00 per ticket. These tickets must be pre-booked (Quote AE093)

Ticket Hotline: 0800 980 1123

Book online at www.saa.co.uk

using ticket item codes:

SAA Members: AE091
Non Members: AE092
SAA art clubs & RSC groups: AE093

Pay by cheque:

Send a cheque (made payable to SAA)
and covering letter to: SAA, PO Box 50, Newark,
Notts NG23 5GY (UK only)


Please note tickets are valid for one day only.

Feeding a Better Future - Mothers' and Children's Diets

Taking place on Tuesday 2nd June at The Angel Hotel in Cardiff - "Feeding a Better Future - Mothers' and Children's Diets". This is an exceptional opportunity to hear the latest scientific evidence from a panel of leading UK experts on the role of nutrition in behaviour, learning and mood. For more details go to www.fabresearch.org and click on "Cardiff Conference". A super early bird rate of £75 is offered when you book online and quote Aura by Friday 8th May or telephone 01463 667318. For all nutritionists, Mums and Dads - dont miss it!