Lindsey Newell and Becky Jeremy will be acting as assistants to curators and the collections manager during the Worcester Open 2010, offering a student perspective whilst answering a Professional Work placement module as a part of their coursework toward a Fine Art degree.

You can follow their blog report here as their placement develops.

Lindsey's research question relates to the mode of display.

Tues 23.02.10

Any practicing artist would be delighted to have the PITT studio space in their back garden.

It is a fantastic space to use as a working studio.  My immediate thoughts were to install a wood burner (a great place to disposes of my unsuccessful work!) which could have had something to do with the air temperature, snow covered ground and Mr Pitt displaying signs of a head cold.  

Yes, it is small but the ceiling height is good, so loads of hanging space.  I am assuming that all the submitting artists have work that needs to be hung.

This was my first visit to the PITT and I can see that it will be quite a logistical challenge to display a piece of work from each artist.  I shall look forward to the arrival of the art and I can’t imagine where these works will be stored.  Good admin and organisational skill required!   This will be quite a hectic space in the next few weeks.

I admire the idea of every one, no matter at what level, can have a piece of work hung in a gallery.  I am intrigued to see the submissions and interested in the criteria the selecting judge will apply.  I am glad I am that I won’t be experiencing that area of curatorship, as I am sure I would offend many.

Wed 24.02.10

One of the exhibiting artists was on site at ‘The Gallery at Bevere’ so the curator wasn’t available for an informal chat (can’t say which one, but there was an air of excitement about the place!).    I had joined a mini bus tour set up by my ceramics lecturer, Pippa Galpin, earlier today.  We were visiting the FIGURATIVELY SPEAKING show which brings together six sculptors who display a wide range of styles and process when manipulating clay into the human form.

The Gallery is set in a lovely location on the outskirts of Worcester which enhance the sculpture of Emma Rodger's bronze, Sophie, in its chosen site.   I felt the paintings of John Robinson used as a back drop to Christy Keeney clay sculpture created a domestic feel which could easily be recreated in the home.  It is a very clever way of displaying art and encouraging a sale at the same time.  (I am not surprised that their reputation is growing).   My favourite piece was ‘Coming Out’ by Michael Flynn as feel this plaque could relate my current ceramic practice.  The Curator’s Choice was Kevin de Choisey’s crown prince (pumpkin) Teapot.

Thurs 25.02.10

What an exciting time I have as an art student!  Today, I had the pleasure of meeting Yoke and Zoom during a lecture held at ‘The Garage Studio’.

It seems that Worcester is becoming a happening place.  With the emphasis on Small! A Toilet.  What a wonderful place to have a gallery, on the platform 2 of Worcester Foregate Street Station.

No longer will people complain if their train is delayed, nor grumble at the inclement weather, they will be delighted to have the time to discover ‘Movement’.    Hopefully opening, in May, after a four year collaboration between Directors; Nina Coulson and Alexander Johnson, Network Rail and London Midland.  The Movement Gallery is of a similar size to the PITT and will offer a site for the production and presentation of contemporary artwork.
Another place for up and coming artist to get there work in to a gallery.  Thats given me the idea of curating a single handed show.... that is, when I've gained the experience.  Best learn to walk before I can run!

Thurs 11.03.10.

No go for the Fiat garage.  We (Thirty 2nd year FA/ A&D students) were disappointed not to be able to use the fiat garage for our end of year show. (It will be part of the Uni Space by next semester/ year)  Currently, we are discussing creating post card sized pieces of work.  Quite a challenge, as some of us work BIG.  Because we haven't found a 'free' building for the middle of May. (Any offers?!)  At least our fund raiser is all set for 7pm, 1st April 'Art House' Crowngate, so we might be able to raise the cash to rent a space.  A bit crazy, having to change your work size so you can fit into a Gallery.  What we need is a venue, still working on that. 

Good Friday 03.04.10

In regard to our University show we had a great night selling tickets for the worst raffle ever! Highest bid on 'Artwork - silent auction' only a fiver so don't give up the day job, quite yet.... Hope there's enough 'Funds' for nibbles if not a venue. Well done Lucinder you did a cracking job.

Back to the OPEN. It poured with rain but that didn't stop the hundreds of artists who hand delivered their work over the weekend. I was excited to meet the exhibitors. Such a varied bunch, Loads of comments about the print on our very long list, seems to be a size issue going on here! The floor space at the PITT soon disappeared under the volume of submissions. There was a real buzz but I don't envy Nat and the challenge that now addresses him. I thought it was noble to offer to display everyone's work but now I see that there is an underlining political approach. Where in Worcester can you display over three hundred pieces of art work? Is there a Venue? Because there is a need. This year at least, with three separate venues. Nat says he is not a curator but a facilitator. And the day turned out to be all about the ART.