Seam Collective, a group of 15 artists who are part of the exhibit, invites art enthusiasts to take part in an interactive journey that encourages a new awareness towards thread and its endless possibilities.
The exhibition, set to take place this July, has travelled around the South West and South Wales and has evolved remarkably with each venue, displaying different works and methods of installation.
This final exhibition promises to be the best one yet.
The blend of experimentation and artwork presented by the group intends to provoke thought and stimulate conversation about the overlooked materiality of thread, a common item in our lives often regarded as invisible.
Having started their journey with the tour in December 2022, funded by Arts Council England, the artists have taken different approaches to extend their craft in sustainable ways.
By preparing for this exhibition, they’ve aspired to achieve a circular design, endorsing “a waste less, repair more and think like nature” ethos.
Historically, work involving thread has been seen as women’s work, seen as functional, decorative and safe.
This perception has confined thread works to being largely unappreciated in the modern art scene.
However, thread is gradually gaining recognition for its potential in the fine art world.
The collective includes artists Alice-Marie Archer, Angie Parker, Desiree Jeans, Helen MacRitchie, Jane Colquhoun, Joy Merron, Julie Heaton, Leah Hislop, Lou Baker, Lydia Needle, Nina Gronw-Lewis, Oliver Bliss, Penny Wheeler, Youngye Cho, and the late Linda Row.
An opening event has been scheduled for Saturday, July 20, which will feature captivating demonstrations from artists Helen MacRitchie, Lydia Needle, Nina Gronw-Lewis, and Penny Wheeler.
Furthermore, family-friendly activities such as weaving in unusual ways, are included as part of the day’s agenda.
In addition to the exhibition, THG’s popular Summer Art Week is set to take place in August.
Running over four days from August 20-24, this event will offer those aged 11-17 an opportunity to try their hand at various forms of art, including animation, printing, jewellery making and photography.
Gemma Girvan, THG Curator, said: “We are really honoured that THG has been chosen as the final venue of the tour and we are excited to showcase the culmination of this ever-changing exhibition.
“Seam Collective have been an absolute joy to work with and we look forward to showcasing this visually impactful, boundary-pushing exhibition.”