[Project Chat] The Shop, 18 Jesus Lane [under new management]

Anyone going to the opening night this Friday (17th)? The new people running it (non-students) have filled in the details in the WAN project section.

The project info:

OUR HOPE…
is to bring together Cambridge’s creative community by providing a space dedicated to visual and performing art and design. We aim to get ‘The Shop’ (18 Jesus Lane) up and running for its grand re -opening on 8th October.

Originally opened last year by Cambridge Student Paloma Gormley, the aim of ‘The Shop’ is to provide a forum where members of the local community can meet , share ideas, support artwork in progress and make new contacts in an informal and inclusive environment.

‘The Shop’ will be open to all – ages, genders, students, locals, professional and non-professional makers, those with a lot or a little experience. In addition, we are currently developing community links in order to engage young people, so that they can contribute to the projects at the shop and participate in workshops.

The Shop will host its first main event on 17th October for a night of art, dance and music. London Artists James Balmforth, Christopher Green ,Bobby Dowler and Oliver Griffin, all represented by the Hannah Barry Gallery www.hannahbarry.com will be showing a part collaborative exhibition of their new work entitled ‘The Eliminating of Distance’. Entry to ‘The Shop’ opening night is free. The event kicks off at 8pm and will continue until 10.30pm.

Later this year CAMBA www.camba.org.uk will be hosting a show of local artists work, and in the new year ‘The Shop’ will be transformed as American knitting graffiti artist Magda Sayeg (www.knittaplease) comes to exhibit in the UK for the first time.

The Shop’ is not just about exhibiting artwork. During the week, an eclectic mix of events will take place, including Tango dancing, talks, art workshops, singing and drama sessions and film nights. Some events will be free and others will have a small charge at the door. On Thursday nights local fashionistas and those with a penchant for costume and textile design will be able to attend ‘The Stitch Up’ – which will feature a social mix of making, talking and creating, with help and advice from ‘The Stitch Up Girls’.

The Shop operates around a strong ‘Reuse and recycle’ ethos and will be having its first event focussing on this theme. MAKE – DO – and – MEND will be on 25th October. Based around a celebration of all things vintage and homemade this event will show case some subversive glamour. Guests are invited to bring unwanted clothing that they can swap for something new and more covetable. The ‘Stitch up’ girls will attend the event to help customise and decorate the clothing. In addition, fashion and accessories designed by local makers will be on sale. Profits form the event will go to the running costs of ‘The Shop’.

The Shop relies on volunteer help – if you are interested in supporting us or taking part in events please send us an email.

Number of people involved: at the moment about 10 actively, with a mailing list of 500
Website: www.theshopjesuslane.co.uk
Contact: theshop[dot]xviii[dot]jesuslane[at]googlemail[dot]com

Originally opened last year by Cambridge Student Paloma Gormley

Made up name, surely?

Yeah I don't think I'd want 'Cambridge' as a first name really ...

Touche

Oh, that Make Do And Mend event sounds good. I watched the Twiggy thing last night and it semi-inspired me.

I got the message and was quite up for going, although I do also want to see burn after reading... but yes, this seems a good thing, and a lot better organised this time around.

I intend to try the make do and mend as well, as long as they're not too intimidating.

Web site doesn't seem to work.

I wonder if Pamola is related to Anthony Gormley?

More likely Joe Gormley

Let's hope they've addressed some of the closed shop issues in regard to non-student involvement.

As far as I know, the person now running it is a long-term Cambridge resident who is now a postgrad at CU. I think I will still believe it when I see it myself, but they've dropped some of the more unrealistic things like open studios access for 3 quid a year (or whatever it was) so that makes it seem closer to reality. The above events sound like they are genuinely open to non-students too.

[Edited to say that the organiser is actually connected with the university]

Deleted Post

He's an honorary Fellow of Jesus College:

http://www.jesus.cam.ac.uk/contacts/fellows/honoraryfellows.html

Hello there,
Im Nikki (the local who is now helping out at the shop - with a great tema of students, artists and local residents). So yes - paloma is daughter of anthony... the shop is open for everyone to use (all of the forthcoming exhibitions are local artists and groups) so please feel free to call by and participate. Details of whats on are on our google calendar https://sites.google.com/site/calendarpreview/calendar
We have changed things a bit - like tidied up, got organised and thought about how the place can work to cater for a range of arts interests. So membership is £6 per year concesions and £12 full. You dont need to be a member to come down and do workshops - there is just a small door charge. Membership entitles people to come in during open studio sessions and make their art. We are trying to source some free art materials too. Oh yes - our website is now working and almost completed (theshopjesuslane.co.uk).
Im not promising things will be perfect straight away - as this is a volunteer led project with very little cash. However, we are working hard to make this place really special for all Cambridge people. So do come to make do and mend, im running it with the help of the rollerbillies and it should be a great day. Bring your old clothes and swap them for something owned by someone else. We have also got some vintage dealers coming down and local designers.
Oh ive spoken enough... if you feel like you want to help out as a volunteer then get in touch theshop.xviii.jesuslane@googlemail.com.
oh yes - kids day 28th october 12 - 4pm... detials on our calendar and on 31st october we are working at brownsfield community centre to make a mural (all chesterton and local residents are invited to take part)- see their website for info.x

I missed this thread - I'll have to come and take a look, I'm desperately trying to get myself set up proper stained glass studio if that's an acceptable sort of thing? I've always been put of the open studio scheme due to expense.

My girlfriend's learning how to work with stained glass, she might fancy getting involved in that.

hello MsSmith... we do offer long term and short term residencies - details on the website - but cant offer permanent studio lets (like artworks, for example). This is due to the range and diversity of events we want to do and the size of the place.
Im also not sure if our air extraction would be sufficient for soldering stained glass - but you are welcome to come down and take a look or maybe have a think about doing a window exhibition or a workshop in the future?

AFAIK, Backfire Clothing will be there- they sponsor mah band. Lovely designs, lovely peoples.

YT - are you wearing a black and red stripey top today, and do you have a HIM bag?

I want a sponsor for my band. Perhaps a respectable French château? We could recommend their wines during each set.

I would like to be sponsored by Fair Trade tea . . . and Hobnobs

Jude 1: Indeed! =D Did you see me frantically pacing around town trying to find the new set of Yu-Gi-Oh cards that my brother requested before I dare set foot in the house?

Hehe, a WAN-spy moment. What gave it away was that you were just about to go into that geeky / comic / gaming shop on Burleigh Street (mind's gone blank - can't remember shop name). I like your top :-)

Thanks! =D I bought it from the market ages ago, but stopped wearing it in my blonde phase due to every hari krishna calling me Kurt. =)

Yeah, Forbidden Planet was my first port of call for Dr J's cards. Alas, they didn't have them yet.