28 September 2006
Big Lottery Recognition for Wealden’s Hidden Talents
There is plenty to celebrate at this month’s Hidden Talents exhibition. The Wealden art event, that sprang from the creative efforts of the district’s sheltered housing schemes, has been awarded £9,550 from Big Lottery Fund.
“The event has really taken off over the last two years,“ said Councillor Mrs Diane Phillips, of Wealden District Council. “We are now involving students from the Wealden sixth form colleges who will have a chance of being selected for the 2007 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.”
“When Councillor Mrs Maragret Kirkpatrick and I first saw the art and craft work taking place in Wealden’s sheltered housing schemes, we knew it deserved a wider audience. I’m glad the Awards for All Lottery Fund thinks so too.”
This year’s Hidden Talents takes place from Wednesday October 4 to Saturday October 7 at Uckfield Civic Centre and includes photography, rug making, sugar craft, needlework, and sculpture. There will also be demonstrations of molten wax modelling, chair caning, computer freehand graphics as well as watercolour and painting techniques for the visually impaired and disabled. Judging the 230 exhibits will be Imogen Stewart, former Head of the Art Education Department at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
“The Lottery money has assured the future of Wealden Hidden Talents Society's exhibitions and given a 'badge of credibility' to the initiative,” said Vicky Markowiak, chairman of the Society. “We are very grateful for the help of Wealden District Council, especially the Community Grants Officer, in securing this grant and getting this community project off the ground.”
The money will be used to buy exhibition panels and lighting and secure the hire of the venue. The first exhibition in 2004 had to be held in the reception areas of the Council’s offices.
Hidden Talents has indeed nurtured hidden talents among the residents of Wealden’s sheltered homes. As retired artist and sheltered housing resident Angela Bedingfield, points out: "As you read the biographies of exhibitors you will become aware of how much the quality of their lives has been changed by making these journeys of artistic self-discovery and the incentive provided by this annual Exhibition should not be underestimated".
Hidden Talents runs from 1pm to 6pm on Wednesday October 4; from 9.30am to 6pm on Thursday October 5 and Friday October 6; and from 9.30am to 4pm on Saturday October 7 at Uckfield Civic Centre.
