Minions of Craft - IN THE NEWS!

We were very excited to have the opportunity to work with a local craft group on a mosaic project, that is now displayed in our village. 

On the day the mosaic was installed, we invited a local newspaper to come along and take some photos, to celebrate our little collaboration. Read the story from the Tavistock Times below....

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Village unveils new artwork landmark

Village mosaic installed at Bere Alston Fire Station

AN EYE-CATCHING artwork has been installed at Bere Alston Fire Station after a creative partnership between community workshops and children.

Craft & Community Mosaic Project, in collaboration with West Devon Art Workshops, The Berey Crafters, 
children from Bere Alston Primary Academy and Minions of Craft

The two colourfulpanels, which celebrate the village’s history and landmarks, were unveiled at agathering last Wednesday (January 17). Andy Cairns, of West Devon ArtWorkshops, organised the mural after securing National Lottery funding.

He said: “The mosaic is a great example of collaboration between various community groups, including Bere Alston School and Minions of Craft and Berey Crafters arts groups. The children mainly did the flowers and trees.

“The daffodils evoke the former flower markets in Bere and the mining industry is shown in thewinding house, while we also have a rowing gig on the Tamar in the foreground.And, of course, a big red fire engine stands out in the middle. The projects I helporganise aim to help unlock the creativity in anyone of any age and ability incommunities who don’t normally have opportunities to take part in art and craftand to learn new skills.”

Bam Russell, who has a son at the school, said: “I’m a school governor and part-owner of Minions ofCraft. I ran a craft workshop with Andy at the school so I felt it only right to involve as many members of the community as possible."

Emma, aged ten,said: “I enjoyed making the trees and helping plan.”

Article taken from Tavistock Times website;
https://www.tavistock-today.co.uk/news/village-unveils-new-artwork-landmark-662452

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A little more information about the project;

The project was launched in June 2023 by the West Devon Art Workshop. Andy Cairns is the Craft & Community Project leader, and he managed to secure some National Lottery funding to support the project.

Andy began working with a local craft group (The Berey Crafters), and ran a number of workshop sessions. During this time the group learnt about the mosaic technique and began to plan the layout for the finished piece. 

Bam Russell (partner at Minions of Craft) had been working closely with the crafting group, and also has ties with the local school. She suggested running a couple of sessions with some of the school children at Bere Alston Primary Academy. The PTA of the school (Bere Alston Friends of School) donated additional funds to ensure the children had all the necessary equipment for the project. The children created trees and flowers, which were to become part of the finished mosaic. The workshop was a huge success, and the children thoroughly enjoyed getting involved. 

In December 2023 the mosaic was finished and it was time to display it in the village. Bam had been coordinating with the Bere Alston Fire Station, to display the finished piece on their fence. "We were looking for a central location, that was accessible to everyone in the village." 

On 17th January 2024 the mosaic was unveiled to the community. As it was a community collaboration, a few people from each group were invited, as well as a reporter from Tavistock Times. (See news article above). 

Since its unveiling the project has received an out pouring of support from the community. Members of the team are in discussion for the next community craft project - so watch this space!