East London-based Art Catcher Ltd is presenting the half term community art week “Create-A-Borough” at the Art Pavilion this week..
Activities are very varied. Some elements are great for the kids during half term, but there is also lots for adults too.
ART INSTALLATION AND PAINTINGS – 22-29 October, 11am-6pm daily
Throughout the week you can walk through a forest of art banners covering unknown and/or fascinating facts about the Borough’s past, present and future, as well as see beautifully rendered paintings by local artists portraying Tower Hamlets from many unusual perspectives and a display of art from recycled materials.
CREATIVE STATIONS – 22-29 October, 11am-6pm daily
Three relaxing and fun creative activity stations are free to join all day every day, one being a giant bottle top mosaic of the borough, made of plastic bottle tops, which will be created with your help. In the mosaic you can incorporate your personal memories. It’s as easy as helping to lay a giant puzzle and similarly as therapeutic. The bottle top mosaic project will be permanently installed as a public art piece in the borough after the half term week. The project is generously supported by Jerram Falkus Constructors.
DANCE FUN FOR ALL – Monday 24 October, 1-2pm
This inclusive dance session will allow everyone to explore and express their creative side. A variety of sensory props will be used to encourage people to share their own movement style, ensuring accessibility for all. Led by professional dancer Georgina Caird, this therapeutic dance session will open up new ways to unlock creativity.
TOWER HAMLETS – LIVES AND STORIES – Wed 26 October, 6-8pm
LIFE STORIES INTERVIEWS (30 min)
Katja Rosenberg of Art Catcher Ltd has interviewed some residents of The Sanctuary Care Home Mile End about their lives and will share some of the fascinating memories she has been told.
Refreshments
REDISCOVERING THE BOW HERITAGE TRAIL (40mins)
You have probably noticed the blue and gold plaques dotted around Bow that mark the many histories of our neighbourhood. Some are found on bridges whilst others can be seen above shopfronts and houses. They are part of the Bow Heritage Trail, created in 1990 by Tower Hamlets Council. But have you ever wanted to see other local histories, stories and individuals celebrated in the trail?
Roman Road Trust has been ‘Rediscovering the Bow Heritage Trail’ to create a revitalised version of the current Bow Heritage Trail. The new trail mixes the well-known and well-loved histories of the East End, with more recent, diverse and personal stories that have been collected from local people. Come along to find out how the Trust created their new Bow Heritage Trail and how you can follow it yourself.
Presented by Rosie Vincent, Managing Director of Roman Road Trust and Alastair Owens, Professor of Historical Geography at Queen Mary University of London and President of The Geographical Association.
THE CROFTON SINGERS: AT HOME IN TOWER HAMLETS – Thursday 27 October, 6-7pm
The Crofton Singers choir, which has been singing for 75 years (not with original members) is delighted to be ‘at home’ in the Art Pavilion to bring you a varied selection of pieces from its current repertoire.
These will include:
- A couple of early Italian pieces from the 16th century
- Half a dozen from the 19th century – including two that were sung during the Queen’s funeral services ‘Jesu, the very thought of Thee’ by Edward Bairstow and ‘My soul, there is a country’ by Hubert Parry.
- Four by Ralph Vaughan Williams whose birth 150 years ago is being celebrated this year, two of his great settings of traditional English folk songs plus two of his own compositions including his famous ‘Linden Lea’ and the rousing ‘Valiant-for-truth’ first performed during the war in 1942.
- The programme would not be complete without a further half a dozen close harmony arrangements by the choir’s renowned musical director of well known popular songs.
The choir feels exceptionally privileged to be led by Jonathan Rathbone and to enjoy his inventive and exciting arrangements that brought him and his Swingle Singers international fame.
INTERACTIVE CONCERT: GUITAR AND CREATION – TUOMO KARJALAINEN
Two sessions:
Sat 29 October, 11am-noon
Sat 29 October, 6-7pm
As a fine conclusion to the half term week, Finnish guitar artist Tuomo Karjalainen will be playing. He invites you to write poetry, make a painting, or create in any art form that you desire while he plays. No previous skill required – just come along and have some fun and enjoy the ride. They’ll have some pens, paper and crayons available if you don’t have any materials with you.
And if you’re not inclined to create any art, you can also just come to the Art Pavilion and just watch the performance!
All ages and skill levels welcome.