A collaborative community arts project has brought together people from all walks of life around Shepton Mallet to make elements for a special exhibition with events. Called The Gleaning, the project has been co-curated by Bath and Wells Pioneer Minister and artist Gill Sakakini and artist Fiona Campbell. Gill and Fiona also worked closely with writer Polly Hall.
The project addresses Somerset Art Works’ theme ‘Sanctuary’, with its key strands of the Spiritual, Sustainable and Social. The exhibition is in St Peter and St Paul’s Church, which as the oldest building in town, has offered sanctuary to all comers throughout history.
Gill explained why they chose the church to display the art work for The Gleaning. “The church in Shepton, is very hidden away, very background. We were trying to find that sanctuary space. Guiding and signposting people to that space will happen because there is something going on inside it, which is very exciting. It’s kind of bridging that gap, and understanding the place of art in the life of faith, as an access point for people to come into the church building, to explore and maybe encounter the Divine in some way.”
Large-scale translucent textile and paper artworks will be suspended in front of 11 clear glass windows in Shepton Mallet’s beautiful 12th century church. Created to represent light, looking beyond, raised vision, and different perspectives, each panel has a theme, interconnected visually and conceptually. Themes include Earthlings, War/Conflict, Calm/Peace, Gratitude, Ruth’s Story, Shepton Mallet: the place, Care and Repair, Journeys, Generosity. Stories reflect different styles and cultures using found and recycled materials, all created with local community. Many processes have been explored including drawing, collage, home-made plant dyeing/tie dye, print, batik, stitching.. on recycled fabric remnants, paper and plastic, using natural inks, fusing artisan craftsmanship with contemporary art.
The Gleaning references the Biblical rule of leaving a portion of one’s crop for the poorest to glean (Leviticus 19, v 9-10). The central thread of Harvest Festival celebrates plenty, gratitude, generosity, sharing, social cohesion, giving voice to the marginalised.
Gill says, “As part of the remit of the social aspect we’ve tried to engage with Polish, Ukrainian, Romanian, and Portuguese communities within Shepton Mallet who tend to be on the margins. The Gleaning is all about looking at the margins.”
A whole series of workshops this summer offered free creative opportunities for all, some linking with Gill’s weekly Drawing On sessions in Collett Park. Art and Writing workshops took place in Sweet 11 Romanian Café, Shepton Mallet Church, Collett Park and at Fiona’s garden/studio. Participants had the opportunity to explore various forms of printing, appliqué, textiles collage, drawing, poetry and contemplative writing.
The Gleaning collaborations culminate in a final exhibition as part of Somerset Art Weeks’ Festival, supported by events including a dramatic presentation of the Book of Ruth. The exhibition launches on Thursday 22 September, 6-8pm, and is open daily from 23 September-9 October, 10am-5pm. A full list of all the events taking place is available on Gill’s website.