Community Arts @ the ArtCafé

Get your popcorn at the ready! Have a look at this slideshow.

2007-09-17T15:20:00.000+01:00

The Nature Walk (click on pics to enlarge)

2007-09-16T18:02:00.000+01:00

We gathered our crowd and was led by Vic around the park. Vic knew all about every tree, climber, bird and creature that was in the park, his knowledge was amazing.
For example did you know that the Great Crested Grebe feeds it's young feathers! Don't be disturbed though this actually lines the stomach as they are prone to having fishermens hooks caught in it.
There was other nuggets of information like there have been deer spotted in the park although Vic hasn't seen them at Northlands Park but he and his pal had stayed up through the night and spotted deer at Gloucester Park.

The Arty Workshop

2007-09-16T17:08:00.000+01:00

When we got back I involved the children in painting birds and butterflies e.t.c to put on the picture I had painted, they also stuck leaves and feathers with the help of Sheila. Nick helped out too with cutting out.

We were soon attracting more children from the park who wanted to get painting and adding things to the picture.

The Finished Picture

2007-09-09T21:30:00.000+01:00

A real community effort!

The Noticeboard

2007-09-09T21:23:00.000+01:00

I've put up some sheets of paper asking the children (or adults I guess) to draw or write the names of the wildlife you can see at Northland's Park.
I've got a good response as you can see.
As you know the last workshop is coming up 'Nature Walk and Arty Workshop' and I thought this might get some interest.

The Last Event

2007-08-29T00:20:00.000+01:00

Just over two weeks until the last event.
From story telling to speaking up, from hippie art and hugging tree's. Making puppets, masks and animations. To walking round the woods in the dark of the night talking about ghosts and tales from the past. Treasure Hunts to Artist's Cafe's.

The one thing that will continue is the Artist's cafe as quite a few people have said they would like it to carry on. Why not, it's a free social event, an excuse to get together talk art, do art - or chat generally.

From January onwards artist's have been playing in your area - up to all sorts of things - Misguided Walks - Poetry Slams.
Anyway I have enjoyed my time and am looking forward to the last event, see you then.

2007-08-27T22:49:00.000+01:00

It's that time again, first Sunday of the month - Artist's Cafe.
Meeting at 12.00, look forward to seeing everybody.
Make mine a Cappucino!
Can you believe it's September already?!

The Winner's of the Treasure Hunt

2007-08-27T15:56:00.001+01:00

Treasure Hunt and Painting in the Park

2007-08-27T15:27:00.000+01:00

Well done to the two winners Kharys and Derek, such nice kids, they won a big watercolour art set and the five runner up prizes won small art sets.

The big watercolour art set contained a set of tube and a set of pan watercolours and watercolour pencils plus some canvases, a mixing tray, brushes and drawing pencils.

Three interesting points to remember

Positive Feedback

2007-08-27T15:25:00.001+01:00

Today I received some positive feedback via an email, they said

"Hello Lisa,
We both thought it was really good fun and very interesting, we did a ghost tour in penzance a few years ago and also last year we done Jack The Ripper tour in London and they were both really good But the one you did was good the speaker he came over really well and the kids who were shouting and screaming they were very good to, If you do anything like that again could you let us know, perhaps you could do one on Halloween night and that would be good.
Once again thank you for a really good night.

Many Thanks

Andrew"

The Last Two Event's

2007-08-26T10:14:00.000+01:00

You can click to enlarge this, yes it's the last two events and sandwiched in the middle is the monthly Artist's Cafe. I'm hoping for wonderful weather tomorrow for the Treasure Hunt.The final event will be the Nature Walk and Arty Workshop with the help of Vic the park keeper.Then it's all over! I hope everyone who has participated has enjoyed themselves and everyone who did the workshops with me gained a lot from their experiences and discovered skills they didn't realise they had.

THE FILM - 'Headless Ghost Tour - ArtCafe Style'

2007-08-26T10:03:00.000+01:00

We Weren't Alone!

2007-08-26T09:56:00.000+01:00

And I don't mean the Youth Council who were in the bushes. I have just spotted that we weren't alone, and Neil definitely wasn't. Behind him on the picture above is an orb (centre of his back). On the picture below there are a small collection of orbs - unless there is any other explanation? I'm looking forward to seeing the film that Jack has done of the ghost tour even more so now, to see if we spot anymore orbs! Spooky.

Click on pictures to enlarge.

Evidence that the Youth Council were there

2007-08-26T06:21:00.000+01:00

The Youth Council and friends go off to get ready to haunt us in the woods. They had arrived early and had put things around like spider webs and other special effects.

Whilst the stories were being told we also had rustling noises, breaking branches, a few chilling screams. Some of the audience were looking quite disturbed!

The Headless Ghost Tour - ArtCafe Style

2007-08-26T06:04:00.000+01:00

------------------------------Nick led us around Nevendon Bushes, narrating with great gusto. We also had great sound and visual effects from the Youth Council.

Nick's voice must have reached the far corners of the woods as he told the story, we were entertained with tales of Voysey the criminal youth. Basil the owl-headed hunter, a duel in a clearing in the woods. The Coven and the Gangster's Torso, and to finish it off Neil made up the finale.

Here is Neils first proper piece of script-writing:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Haunted Bushes

As you have heard, there are many stories related to Nevendon Bushes. Some colourful characters have roamed the woods and used it for their unsavoury acts. But the spirits of those killed remain, trapped in the thickets and scrub, and at night they are especially active. It is no coincidence that there are few who venture into these woods at night.
Dark shadows can be seen silhouetted against the sky at dusk, often on a warm summer evening.
Strange rustling noises can be heard in the woods and there are even tales of a figure in the bog where we stopped earlier, most commonly seen after a wet summer.

We would not recommend walking alone at night as the spirit of old Abraham Voysey is said to roam here in the hope of taking revenge on his son. There are some reports of the Headless Hunter frequenting the clearing.
But the most chilling story is of the spirit of a bare-chested man.
Could this be Voysey? Or a Vane brother? It is said that the face is black but that a red scar can be seen clearly on the neck.
There are also reports of an awful smell like someone has not washed for weeks and the skin has started to rot and weep. Some say the smell is foxes, but even the foxes will not venture into certain parts of the woods – why?

One thing is for sure, these bushes contain something far more sinister than other woodlands.
The reports of a bare-chested figure rising from a concrete grave at night, close to the edge of the woods, faceless, and fleet of foot – you wouldn’t want to meet him. So steer clear of odd concrete structures in the darkness of the night.

Thank you for attending this evening.

Sleep well!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We had to have a drink after this and all headed for the Watermill.

A Reminder of the Time Change

2007-08-24T16:53:00.000+01:00

I must point out that the time has changed from 7.30 to 8.45 as Nick and the Youth Council both thought it would be too light and not eerie enough.
Spooook to you sooon!!

Inspirations for 'Headless Ghost Tour - ArtCafe Style'

2007-08-24T16:43:00.000+01:00

Ghost Walk by Andrea Mason for Art U Need Needs U from the 'Nevendon Tales' by Simon Bill.
This was read by former London Tour Guide Chris Lowthorpe who is also a member of the Arcadian Collective http://www.myspace.com/arcadiancollective .
Myself and others enjoyed the experience very much. I have permission from Andrea to use this story in my events. It is as written but we have changed the end story, the new story which is a sort of summarising of the other stories was written by Neil Horner. So we are calling it 'The Headless Ghost Walk - ArtCafe Style.'

When we were on holiday in Cornwall we went on this one man show ghost walk, it was quite inspiring. Although the guy himself wasn't terribly terrifying the stories got you hooked and listening.
At first some people laughed because he was rather posh and nice sounding but by the time we heard a couple of his tales we were listening intently.
He was guiding us around St. Ives which is a very old town with lots of winding narrow roads.
I was quite impressed with the profit he would make from telling a story, he was charging £5 per adults and £3 for under 16 and there were about 30 people there, mainly adults.

www.myspace.com/herron23h

2007-08-21T12:49:00.000+01:00

I am very proud to say that I have sussed out how to do a myspace layout and have put Lisa Smith's Hippy Art Sculpture as the main feature, of course you have a view of Northlands Park too. www.myspace.com/herron23h
There is a fishing match on on Wednesday at Northlands Park from 8.00 in the morning until 1.00pm, apparently anybody can enter.

What's Next

2007-08-20T16:25:00.000+01:00

Click to enlarge

Jack's Workshop at Bardfield School

2007-08-20T16:20:00.001+01:00

Jack did a two day workshop at Bardfield School over the holiday, he and the kids made a great little animation which I will show on here once he puts it on You Tube.

The Animation Workshop

2007-08-20T16:19:00.001+01:00

Star of the Workshop

2007-08-20T16:05:00.000+01:00

Rob's plasticine monster!

The Animation Workshop

2007-08-20T15:52:00.000+01:00

This went really well, it was a cloudy day so this accounted for a few of those who were booked in not showing, we had six who made it and quickly filled the four remaining spaces. A few more had a go a bit later.
Jack got them to make their plasticine characters then did stop animation in the dolls house, which was just the right exposure of light for the filming. Everyone was thrilled with their mini animation films and we're going to show them on this blog very soon.
Click on photo's to enlarge.

Take a look at this! Loco Motion Animation Workshop

2007-08-15T22:40:00.000+01:00

Animation Workshop next Monday

2007-08-15T09:21:00.000+01:00

I could write so much about the Loco Motion Animation club, my son has been involved with them for two and a half years and is very proud about the part he played in making their first fully funded film 'Two Different Worlds' that was shown at the UCI cinema (as it was then) Festival Leisure Park in 2006. Have a look at what BBC Essex had to say about them.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/essex/content/articles/2006/04/06/loco_motion_feature.shtml
Here are some other links to look at too.
http://creativityisme.blogspot.com/2006/12/jack-norris-and-loco-motion-animation.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbYamEI6eII
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE1Emhq6W2E

Jack and his friends will be showing your children how to make 3D animation, and possibly 2D animation. I know that everybody is going to have fun!

How Charlie's Mask-making Workshop went

2007-08-13T16:26:00.000+01:00

After a bit of an iffy start this went fabulously well, Charlie and I were inundated by little people who wanted to make a mask. We had tiger masks, robot masks, witch masks and few individual inventions. The adults thoroughly enjoyed themselves too - getting very creative.

The iffy start was threatening rain and it was getting close to 12.30 and there was no gazebo in view at all. It turned out that there were a whole new group of park attendants as the usual group were somewhere else and they didn't know anything about my gazebo, but they put up the gazebo for me which I was grateful for. But all's well that ends well, so they say.

I went home feeling that we'd got over a few hurdles and it was a very successful day, we had happy children and parents who were very appreciative and grateful of our efforts.

The Mask-making Workshop photos

2007-08-13T16:09:00.000+01:00

Looking forward to the Mask Making Family Workshop

2007-08-10T12:51:00.000+01:00

Looking forward to the Mask Making Family Workshop. Masks have been used over the centuries in many ways, in this country we had Masked Ball's and they were used in the flirtation ritual between man and woman. They were often used in theatre, and in other countries for tribal ritual.

Just made a mad dash to Basildon.....

2007-08-09T17:51:00.000+01:00

.......to buy the prizes for the Treasure Hunt, I've got one big prize worth £30 and five smaller prizes.
I also bought some spare torches for the Headless Ghost Tour.

In between Events.....

2007-08-07T09:14:00.000+01:00

Next Monday brings us the Mask Making Family Workshop, I'll tell you more about that later but before that a few things I want to mention:-
On my Myspace there are some Basildon based friends I want you to be aware of, have a look at www.myspace.com/culturalheritage this is the Myspace for ChASE or otherwise known as Cultural Heritage for All in South Essex.
Then there is a young group called Tech Control who's Myspace is www.myspace.com/techcontrol1 they made quite an impact at the Bas' Fest' this year.

Aside from that I do think Northlands Park is something you can be proud of and if anyone would like to send photographs of the area in at herron@globalnet.co.uk I could show them on here or if you have your own website with pictures of either Northland's Park or Nevendon Bushes I'd be happy to make a link.
I spent quite a lot of time on the Heritage Trail this year and learnt a lot about photography from Bob Fisher, the only thing is my camera isn't brilliant, but I'm going to attempt to get some nice shots of these two areas.
I would really like it if after my events my board was used for displaying photographs of the park, maybe rare sightings of birds, or other life forms. Captured beauty, the swans at their most magnificent! The board will also be used for advertising the on-going Artist's Cafe. Of course if Sarah and Neil agree.

And there's more.......

2007-08-06T21:33:00.000+01:00

click to enlarge

2nd Clue to the Treasure Hunt

2007-08-06T21:22:00.000+01:00

So it's http://www.g - - - - - - - - - - p - - - s - - - - - - - p - - l.blogspot.com/
This is the blog where a series of questions will give you the answer to the first clue of the Treasure Hunt. This place in Basildon is one of the oldest buildings and it is made up of four words.
G - - - - - - - - -/ P - - - /S - - - - - - - - /P - - l, the first two words is the name of the place where the Basildon Festival has been held over the past few years. The second two words is where you wear a bikini or trunks or swimming costume.
Come on you must get it now!

This has now expired.

Puppet Family Workshop 2

2007-08-06T17:34:00.001+01:00

...............................

Well this time we captured the puppet show on video, the children got on with making their puppets and we had time for the children to do their own puppet shows which we videoed.

It all went really well, lots of satisfied, happy little faces.

Whilst I was here I got talking to Vick Hobbs (?) hope I've got that right, who is responsible for the welfare of all the wildlife - he has a wealth of knowledge he is willing to share.

August Artist's Cafe

2007-08-05T17:02:00.000+01:00

We had wonderful weather, and quite a gathering. What is nice is the whole impromptu impact of the Artists Cafe, I had numerous children come up and were interested in the art and I gave them some paper and lent them some pastels and they were away.
What Charlie was doing caused a lot of interest, he had lots of paper stuck to the concrete at the side of the cafe, and with a mixture of paint and bubble liquid blew bubbles that landed on the paper and left a mark, he said he was more interested in the bubbles that didn't land on the paper - where did they go?
There was me, Neil, Charlie and son, Nick, Jim, Sheila with her two daughters and grandchildren Angel, Ash and Aaliyah. We were joined briefly by Simon, maybe he'll stay longer next time.
A lovely afternoon full of conversation!
More photographs on the Artist's Cafe's own website: www.myspace.com/artcafeinc
ArtCafe's Myspace is now www.myspace.com/herron23h

Good News!

2007-08-02T13:40:00.000+01:00

Having discovered that Nick (Puppet Workshop) has very good shouting and acting abilities I asked him if he would be the main narrator for the Headless Ghost Tour he agreed - we may discover his dark side!

Parklife

2007-08-02T12:39:00.000+01:00

I've just been walking around the park sussing out where I'm going to put the clues for the Treasure Hunt.
I also asked the park maintenance guys if there was anyone who knew all about the wildlife of the park, this is in preparation for the 'Nature Walk and Arty Workshop.' Apparently there is one guy who is there all the time, who is a real enthusiast - if one of the water birds are hurt he will call in the R.S.P.C.A and by the sound of it really enjoys his job.
Apparently he might even be up to talking about the wildlife, I left my number with the guy to pass on to him - so fingers crossed.
I already have a plan for the Nature Walk and Arty Workshop' that I think everybody will enjoy taking part in.

Clues for Treasure Hunt start today.

2007-08-01T06:44:00.001+01:00

If you are a viewer of this blog then you have a distinct advantage, you will be given the privilege of having access to clues to the first clue of the Treasure Hunt.
The first question is to guess the name of the blogspot that the questions will be held on.
So the question will be held on a 26 letter named blogspot
http://www.-------------------------l.blogspot.com/ If you are quite young you might need an adult to help you on this one.
There are two remaining very old buildings in Basildon Town centre, the answer is one of those buildings. It has been mentioned in the newspaper quite a lot this year and is related to the 'Heritage Trail.'
The building is made up of four words, the last letter of the whole name is L, you would have to write it in lower case though. The first word has 10 letters, 2nd 4 letters, 3rd 8, 4th 4
e.g ----------/----/--------/---l
If you are clever enough to answer this then well done!
If not you will have to wait till after I have posted my photographs etc of the next Puppet Family Workshop for the next set of clues to this building.
This has now expired.

Met the Youth Council today

2007-07-31T14:16:00.000+01:00

Met the Youth Council today to talk about the 'Headless Ghost Tour.' We had a chat and are meeting next week at Nevendon Bushes. I will be talking to the friends of Nevendon Bushes to make sure we definitely have their permission, they will probably give us some ground rules we will have to go by.

Artist's Café this Sunday - and the weather is looking good!

2007-07-30T17:29:00.000+01:00

The Puppet Family Workshop - So many people in one little gazebo!

2007-07-30T16:29:00.000+01:00

This went really well, my only regret is not getting someone to take a photo of Nick and myself doing the Puppet show, Nick wrote the script - let's say it was a combination of Posh and Becks and a water pistol.

As you see we had the full quota of children - we even had to turn some away asking them to come back next week. It was completely different at first, we had one Mum and son turn up as they had booked and everybody else seemed to be in ignorance of us, sitting there eating their picnic or pushing their children on the swing. Many had come to go on the big inflatables,

I said to Nick " What if no-one wants to join in, what do we do?"

My daughter Claire had the bright idea of giving out leaflets and telling them about the Puppet show, this worked, suddenly we had loads of interest - well done Claire!

Nick has sort of made this into a mini-career since I first wrote about the event on here, last week he did four Puppet workshops in two local schools, and he really enjoyed them.

I promise I'll get photo's of the Puppet show next week, so if you missed out this time try to get down to Northlands Park at 1.00 next Monday.

Click on pictures to enlarge.

I've been busy.....

2007-07-26T22:38:00.000+01:00

www.myspace.com/herron23h I've just changed my myspace so that I can add friends - it took ages and it's 2.54 in the morning but I got fed up of having an uneffective myspace. I made another one I had into a good clone of the old one - a new and improved version I'd say.
I did add a slideshow of lot's of tree huggers to the old one. I will have to do that another day to the new one - I'm (yawn) too tired!
Yeah I'm afraid I'm a bit of an insomniac!

Nick's Puppet Family Workshop's coming up next

2007-07-25T11:00:00.000+01:00

Next Monday we have Nicks 'Puppet Family Workshop' Stage 1.
He has been working on the puppet theatre, when I met him yesterday he was a bit paint- splattered.

This laid back guy has it all in control, at the moment he is a LSA and school Librarian but he is going on to do teacher training in September, I wouldn't be surprised if he is headmaster in a few years time.

He said his first love is teaching and his second love is art. Having recently done a lot of work in his school with puppetry he wanted to share this with a wider audience.

I think himself and the kids got a lot out of the lessons, he is quoted as saying "I have not come across as better way of combining pure fun and education as puppetry."
Looking forward to the workshops Nick.

Lisa emailed me her photographs of the day

2007-07-22T22:12:00.001+01:00

The Hippie Art.....

2007-07-22T16:14:00.000+01:00

A sculpture - isn't it cool!

Shannon's 'Peace to the World' picture

At every event I worry a bit but I needn't have worried at all with Lisa, the true professional that she is she had everything sorted out.
She had done her homework to the tiniest detail, she had pictures of all sorts of hippie art so that we could take our choice and get on with it. She also had little peace signs ready to colour in which we then cut out and made our own cord with Lisa's instructions and wore it as peace necklaces. Finally when she gathered a large amount of the pictures she made them into sculptures that would blow around in the wind. We did three in the end. We even had some guitar music.

Quite a few people joined us as you can see, but if they didn't join us they were interested in the other events and took away ArtCafe Menu's.

I've added the pictures to the 'Children's Gallery.'

......and Tree Hugging Day

2007-07-22T15:54:00.000+01:00

Mass Media

2007-07-21T18:52:00.000+01:00

Got an interview with the Echo, the Interlock magazine, announced the event on Essex Radio and BBC Radio Essex. Wouldn't it just be awesome if I could get a plane to fly across South Essex with a big banner advertising the event - dream on! I think I have done well anyway.
When I did the radio announcements I suddenly heard my voice turn into Tony Blackburn's when I said "Come down and hug those tree's you tree hugging hippies!" It made the presenters laugh anyway.
The BBC Radio Essex presenter asked me if I was a hippie and I said "Well I don't smoke anything dodgy, and I don't believe in Free Love. But I do believe in Peace and looking after our environment."
The Essex Radio guy asked me if I would be dressing up in tie-dye clothes, I said no, but would certainly be dressing like a hippie. Then he asked me if I expected everyone else to dress like hippies, and I said "It's not necessary - but hey why not."
So if you feel daring why don't you join me and wear hippie clothes - are you game for a laugh?

........................................................................................

Although I was highly impressed with myself at putting on the 'Vision On' music I got bored with that, then I came across this exciting song by Alison Moyet that was very big in my youth - oh so long ago! Yes it's 'Don't Go'. Has this got any deep significant meaning? Well not intentionally but it could mean I'm hanging on to the green spaces.

Newspaper Article

2007-07-20T09:51:00.000+01:00

Excellent Photo Shoot Today!

2007-07-19T11:20:00.000+01:00

We had a photo shoot for the echo hugging tree's etc. I also had an interview with Tom King yesterday - so all going well we should be in the Echo on Friday.

This Sunday at Noon 'Hippie Art and Hug a Tree Day'

2007-07-17T13:12:00.000+01:00

Lisa Smith who is a resident of Northlands Park and also a very accomplished artist, if you look at About Lisa on the left you'll be pleasantly surprised what an impact to the community an artist can have. I'm very lucky to have crossed paths with her and have her on board on this project.
The 'Hippie Art' is entirely new and Lisa has a lot up her sleeve for all those who are interested in joining the workshop. But the Hug a Tree Day had been done before by Andrea Mason with Art U Need Needs U.
Here's some links about it.
http://thebasildonblog.blogspot.com/2007/03/mass-tree-hug-sun-11-march.html
http://artcafeinc.blogspot.com/2007/05/hug-tree-day-sunday-july-22nd.html

So its 12.00 (noon) until whenever
At the side of the Two Lakes Cafe in Northlands Park
Any age

Lisa will be doing all sorts of Hippie art, and you must
come down and hug that tree - You tree hugging hippies!

Rob Baker

2007-07-17T13:08:00.000+01:00

A big thanks to Rob Baker the Area Officer for Basildon Parks for all his good will and assistance in helping our events run by supplying us with the gazebo where we are going to do our workshops. Thanks Rob!
Look at the link that tells you a bit about Rob and Northlands Park
http://www.groundwork-southessex.org.uk/Tour

And I like our advert in the Interlock News

Thoughts

2007-07-15T23:47:00.000+01:00

I really did enjoy today, it was eye opening and we all learnt a lot - I sometimes wish I had all the answers to all the worlds problems, I think this country as a whole has a terrible drink problem especially in the younger generations. I know a lady who's daughter is an alcoholic who would dearly love to smash all the alcohol bottles down an aisle in a supermarket. It would be a solution if this so called nanny state really did something like stopped selling alcohol or cigarettes but they would never ever dare take that chance with the economy.

I had a phone call from Gateway fm (a community radio station for Basildon and Thurrock) this morning and did a live interview over the phone about 'Northland's Park Corner.' They also asked about the other events, and were particularly interested in the 'Hug a tree and Hippie Art Day' which is happening next Sunday. http://www.gatewayfm.com/

Northland's Park Corner Today

2007-07-15T15:57:00.001+01:00

click on pictures to enlarge

I was very pleased with today's event as we got to hear from people who lived at Northlands Park.
Vin started the event rolling by asking the questions 'Can people identify with Basildon?' 'Do they feel they have a thriving community?' Also a lot of people are ashamed to say they come from the area, which is sad as it has a lot going for it including a host of famous faces and a lot of green areas.
Has rocky beginnings played it's part towards a disjointed community?
Apparently when Basildon was first a new town those who already lived in the area weren't always very welcoming to the newcomers from London. Also the people from London were from close communities and were used to lots going on, and they came to this place, away from their extended families, to a place that was starting from scrap and had very little forms of entertainment.
At Northland's Park there are a few who are working very hard to try and create some sort of community, namely the 'Events Group' who from what I have witnessed are doing a marvellous job with their 'Northland's Park Fun Day' and their Christmas Fayre.

Some of the young people today are members of the local youth council, and I was glad to hear that they have often talked about their concerns and shared some of their fantastic ideas with this group.

Ideas:
Make one of the ponds a boating lake or have activities on it.
The Cafe should sell more fruit, or make Fruit Smoothies.
There should be a toilet available all the time.
One young lady was concerned about the fishermen and wanted them to have little huts as shelter, she was quite concerned about their safety.
A swimming pool in the field behind the cafe, one where you could put a roof on in winter and have it open in the summer.
A play park area for older children like they have at Wat Tyler park.

Thanks so much Vin for starting the ball rolling and having so much to say, which was all very interesting and stimulating.

'Northlands Park Corner and Following Events'

2007-07-04T16:01:00.001+01:00

Thank you Tony

2007-07-04T12:26:00.000+01:00

Many thanks to Tony Guyon from Interlock for helping me today, and for all his assistance towards this project. Thanks so much Tony it's much appreciated!

Next Event - Northlands Park Corner

2007-07-03T11:40:00.000+01:00

I paid a visit to Hyde Park's 'Speakers Corner' you can see this at:
http://artcafeinc.blogspot.com/2007/05/speakers-corner-hyde-park-corner.html

It was an eye opener believe me, so much passion, so many fixed views. Who were these people!

Now I don't want to create chaos down the park, what I want is an event where people air their views but in the manner of opening up and sharing - mind meeting mind.
I don't intend to start some sort of lobby committee just a bit of viva la difference - a novel event that people might talk about one day - an event that they enjoyed.
Hope you'll be there!

p.s I found these Free Hugs You Tube film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRVzXcybd2c&mode=related&search=
I wonder if anyone is up for giving free hugs on Hippy Art and Hug a Tree Day?

The Fourth Artists Meeting

2007-07-01T14:13:00.000+01:00

Well the weather was fine, so we sat outside. There was Lisa, Nick, Charlie and his son Luke, me and Lisa's friend. We all had a good chat and got on with some art. Luke who is four going on five was very helpful, he was assisting Charlie with his picture so that the canvas got covered with crayoning, Charlie was very patient.
We realised that Johnathon (6) had joined us when he asked to borrow our pencil sharpener.
Johnathon had been very busy doing lots of art with brightly coloured pencils, this is one of his pictures which is a car on a bright and sunny day.
I have got his picture in the 'Northlands Park Children's Gallery' http://www.childrensgallery.blogspot.com/
It was nice to see his mum and dad joining in too!

Frances and her books

2007-06-30T18:56:00.000+01:00

Frances has done a Children's Trilogy, seven local history books, and has written for several womens magazines and comics.

At last we meet little Holly who won the 4 - 7 category of the Identity Competition

2007-06-30T18:12:00.000+01:00

The Story Corner Day

2007-06-30T17:51:00.000+01:00

I was a bit nervous - hoping that someone would turn up. It was pretty rainy, which meant that people might be saying 'I'm bored' or they might prefer to stay indoors.
I was glad to see my friend Rose and Amy and Adam. We were later joined by Holly, Courtney and family.
Frances told us a story and then asked Amy and Adam to write the next adventure. Amy wasted no time in getting on with her story which she illustrated very well. Her story was about a child that went into a wardrobe and ended up in a snowy land called Snowarnia with a Snow cat, that ruled Snowarnia.
Adam at first felt more comfortable hiding behind the chair on the floor, but later started colouring in a police car picture.
Rose wants to write herself and loved the opportunity to chat with Frances.
We were later joined by little Holly and family who listened to Frances's story.

Sophie and the Wardrobe by Amy Hassall

---------------------

Sophie moved house and there was a wardrobe so large that the mover men couldn't move it.

It had to stay in the new house.

Sophie opened the wardrobe doors and she climbed in the wardrobe.

When she got to the other side it was snowing and she realised that her clothes had changed.

---------------------------------

In the distance Sophie saw a sleigh with a fluffy white animal in it.

She was a Snow Cat - ruler of Snowarnia.

"Hi" said the Snow Cat.

"How are you doing?"

"I have lost my parents" said Sophie.

"Meow" went the cat,

"My kittens can help you with that, they have lost me!"

---------------------

In the morning Sophie was in bed and she was not in Snowarnia, it was all a dream.

Sophie ran to the room and the wardrobe was not there.

There was only a picture of Sophie's Mum and Dad.

--------------

The End

Story Corner Family Workshop - Tomorrow

2007-06-29T15:12:00.000+01:00

Frances is really giving a gift by sharing her experience with young children, I have about five places booked but I still would like to see more people coming to the workshop tomorrow. Please get in touch by either email: herron@globalnet.co.uk or phone 07808 924389

Northland's Park Children's Gallery

2007-06-28T21:44:00.000+01:00

A further thought on wanting you to send me those pictures - creating an online Gallery just for the children of Northland's Park.
Go to http://www.childrensgallery.blogspot.com/

Revamped Myspace

2007-06-28T15:07:00.000+01:00

I've revamped the Myspace to 'The Events' Myspace now and added a new song!
There are lots of photo's there from the Fun Day - so take a look.
www.myspace.com/artcafeinc

If you're over 25 or may be older you might recognise the tune. I was an avid fan of Vision On and good old Tony, er Tony? What was his name? Anyway he was good and definitely encouraged me in my art. These days you have Art Attack and SMART to do that. I've got links to both of their websites, you just have to look down on the right, quite a way down.
I have just found a link to the potted history of Vision On, and it was Tony Hart
http://www.its-prof-again.co.uk/vision_on.htm

I miss getting those pictures

2007-06-26T08:05:00.000+01:00

I miss getting those pictures now. If you've got a computer and you want to send me a picture you could always send one by email and send the picture as an attachment. Or you could give me your picture at one of the events.

Don't forget it's Story Corner on this Saturday please either phone or email me to let me know you want to book a place.

herron@globalnet.co.uk

07808 924389

STORY CORNER FAMILY WORKSHOP

2007-06-25T14:32:00.000+01:00

A simple poster - but I hope, noticeable!

Nicks cool puppet!

2007-06-24T20:45:00.000+01:00

Claire made one of Nick's puppets - an accessory all young ladies should carry round with them I think.

The IDENTITY Art Competition

2007-06-24T17:17:00.000+01:00

Holly's picture (aged 5) - Winner of the 4 - 7 Infant Category

Charlotte (aged 10) who won the 8 - 11 Junior Category.

Charlotte's picture

As you can see I braved it and announced the winners of the competition, I said it alright then I had to spoil it by saying 'bye!' at the end.

The 4 - 7 Infant Category was won by Holly aged 5, and the 8 - 11 Junior Category was won by Charlotte.

Charlotte came forward for her prize and I will get in touch with Holly very soon. All those who entered will receive a sweetie prize like I have said so you should receive them soon too.

I thought Charlotte's picture was outstanding, and I loved receiving the pictures from everybody, each one made me smile.

The Fun Day

2007-06-24T16:51:00.000+01:00

We all enjoyed the Fun Day even though we had rain and black clouds quite a bit of the time. As you can see we were pretty busy in the marquee and also managed to get the word out as well. Click on the pictures to enlarge them. I had them placed perfectly on the post but they seem to have come out all higgledy piggledy.

What's a little bit of rain? Never done anyone any harm!

2007-06-23T17:21:00.000+01:00

If your a true Brit' a little bit of rain won't bother you if you're thinking of coming to the Fun Day tomorrow. The weather report says that we will get intermittent rain spells, so we will also get intermittent sunny spells! - See you tomorrow.

One day to the Fun Day

2007-06-23T07:35:00.000+01:00

The main things I have to do today is make my banner and signs hangable and gather things ready for bringing to the park tomorrow. I'm glad I did most of the running around on Thursday - phew!

Some links to what else is going on on the day:

http://www.shakyexperience.co.uk/index2.html
This character looks really cool and wise:
http://www.baldmc.com/
The Black Thunders:
http://www.essexfm.co.uk/sectional.asp?id=12999
The Billericay Dog Training School
http://www.bdts.org.uk/

A late but lovely picture

2007-06-22T20:43:00.000+01:00

My Family in the Park - By Chloe

This came today, from a little girl who is six years old. Unfortunately I asked Lisa (Smith) to make the judgements on Wednesday evening so the competition is over now. But I like this very much - wow eleven in your family! It's lovely that you all seem to be holding hands.

So the winners will be announced on Sunday at the Fun Day, I will look forward to giving you winners the HobbyCraft Vouchers.

I hope you all come as there were only a few people - eight in all who took part in the competition I would like to give all of you a sweetie prize for making the effort. Well done!

Ticking off the things on my to do list

2007-06-22T14:34:00.000+01:00

Well not exactly, but it's amazing what you don't think of until very near the day of the event - like water! We'll need water for painting Charlie and Sarah's masks, and I'm going to have painting and drawing available for the children too. So I've been on the look out for huge water containers. Another thing I thought of was aprons or cover-alls for the painting but Sue came to the rescue there and I have lots of old shirts now to use.
There are lots and lots of other things too but I won't bore you with them.

A bit about Sarah - Mask Making Workshop

2007-06-22T06:15:00.000+01:00

Sarah is a second year degree student at Southend University. She did the Mask Making at the Fun Day.

A friendly, bubbly girl who has a passion for painting and aspirations to be a teacher.

I think if you met her, with her lovely personality you'd agree she'd make a great teacher.

A bit about Frances - Story Corner

2007-06-22T06:06:00.000+01:00

Frances Clamp is a former teacher and Head of Year in a comprehensive school. She is the author of ten published books including a trilogy for children and seven local history books apart from many stories and articles for both adults and children in national magazines. She is also President of Brentwood Writers' Circle.

At the moment Frances is an enthusiastic member of the Basildon Heritage Project team. As a part of this work she is currently writing Basildon Our Heritage which will follow the establishment of the Basildon Heritage Trail and the part played by five local primary schools.

Getting ready for the Fun Day

2007-06-21T14:02:00.000+01:00

Dean Smith giving me a cheque for £100 from START

2007-06-20T20:32:00.000+01:00

As well as this cheque for £100 START has also contributed an A-board and a box of 18 plus paints. Many, many thanks to START for their support.

From the Interlock News (In Touch)

2007-06-19T21:16:00.000+01:00

The Northlands Park Neighbourhood community newspaper!

Raining Cat's and Dog's

2007-06-19T20:43:00.000+01:00

It's absolutely raining cat's and dog's out there, and here we have thunder and lightening too. I'm getting worried about the weather on the Fun Day now, I hope it doesn't carry on like this until Sunday - that would be a blow for all involved.

Please come to the Fun Day, there is going to be loads going on.
The Northlands Park Events Group are working with the Basildon and Pitsea Carnival Committee to bring four packed hours of entertainment.
For kids there is the Giant Crazy Cottage - 85 feet long, three cottages linked with a mega slide, then along side that is the Medieval Activity Run - 75 feet long.
There is also Bungee Running and the Human Demolition Zone - all sounds like crazy fun.
There is a Super Stage Show featuring the local dance talent with Expozure and the Troy dancers, local band Acquiesce, the talented Kat Tanner and music from the Briscoe school choir. Topping the bill there is 'The Shaky Experience' with the fantastic Paul Jennings as Shakin' Stevens rocking it out over the park. The man in control is the resident DJ Bald MC.

The Black Thunders are coming to the Fun Day! The will be arriving around 2pm, with live links to the studio from the park and Essex FM giveaways for the crowd.
Also there will be the Billericay Dog Training School pet dog display team, the Della Marie Majorettes , also the High Kicks?! Plus prize giving from the Basildon and Pitsea Carnival, as both the carnivals are set to arrive around 2pm after both of their processions.

There's going to be a Round Robin football competition where you could win the cup! Or you could try your hand at paintball: get your nails done at the Nail Art stand or make your way to the Art Café stand and get your face painted while enjoying the results of the Art Competition and have a go at creating a work of art yourself! (as quoted in the Interlock News In Touch Issue 18).

Also the Northlands Park Children's Centre will be there introducing the family of the centre mascot, Doris the Dinosaur, as well as having plenty of activities for the children and plenty of support for the parents.
As you see there is loads on plus stalls, children's rides, tombolas, games and promotional stands.

According to the Interlock News weather forecasters are predicting that the hottest time this summer will be late June and early July so fingers crossed!

ArtCafe's Launch - Northlands Park Fun Day

2007-06-18T06:06:00.001+01:00

And ArtCafe's Launch! This will be the day when people can see what we are all about and I'll be there with my clip board seeing if I can get peoples interest in the various activities and booking people in. We have had a few bookings already, animation is very popular.

A bit about Vin

2007-06-15T23:46:00.000+01:00

Vin Harrop who is well known for being very vocal in his passion for the arts and is noted at standing up for the arts through all sorts of media be it newspaper, radio or public meetings.
He is a Sculptor and was the Managing Director of the original Towngate Theatre (some people would say 'in it's heyday!').

He is now the director of the Basildon Heritage Trail, which was his concept that he has brought to life with the professional help of Bob Fisher, Frances Clamp and Liz Grant. I have more recently had an input by doing research on the history of Basildon from March this year.

A larger than life personality.

http://www.essexgallery.org.uk/

Updated Event's Menu

2007-06-15T22:20:00.000+01:00

I thought I'd show you this as there has been a couple of changes like: Lisa is now doing

a Hippie Art Day as well as it being Hug a Tree Day. Also it's a bit iffy if my cousin will or will not

be coming down on the Headless Ghost Tour even though she is a fantastic actress and should

be rubbing shoulders with Dame Judy Dench - she is an extremely busy person, I just hope she can make it. This is why I have approached the Youth Council who seem pretty keen to get involved. The eventual Headless Ghost Tour sounds very promising.

Luminous Green ArtCafé Event's Menu

2007-06-15T21:57:00.000+01:00

I decided that the Event's Menu was far too conservative and needed to be jazzed up a bit. Luminous green was the answer for me.

I laminated the old style menu's and Sarah okayed them to be used in the Café, so now they are free standing menu's that people can use to ponder over their food and drink choices.

Neil and Claire holding up the ArtCafé Event's banner

2007-06-15T21:50:00.000+01:00

With flash above, and without it below.

That laminator came in pretty handy!

Artist's Café

2007-06-14T23:24:00.000+01:00

Come on down to Northlands Park and join with other artists, join in conversations then go out do some art - as simple as that! And it's free.
The following dates that it will be on are:
Sept 2nd
Oct 7th
Nov 4th

Two more pictures through today!

2007-06-13T21:44:00.000+01:00

I happily received two more pictures through today, aren't they lovely, my daughter is quite taken with them.

The one on the left was done by a seven year old, and the one on the right was done by a five year old!!

The one on the left is by Courtney and the one on the right is by Holly.

World Wide Jam on Telly Tonight!

2007-06-12T21:41:00.000+01:00

If anyone at Northlands park was about when 'Art U Need Needs U' Andrea brought Parkour Free Running to Northlands park, maybe you got involved or maybe spectated. The guys were from a group called the 'World Wide Jam', the main guy I spoke to was Brad Wendes, well they were on telly tonight on 'Britain's Got Talent', and they got through to the next round!

They are such physically fit guys with great attitudes, take a look at the article I did about them which was on 'Spread The Art Word' http://creativityisme.blogspot.com/2007/02/blog-post.html.

Andrea did an article about them too, she has better photo's - http://thebasildonblog.blogspot.com/2007/02/parkour.html

So far: The Infants 4 - 7 years old

2007-06-09T12:11:00.001+01:00

By Krysten Fox

So far: The Junior's 8 - 11 years old

2007-06-09T12:04:00.001+01:00

This one is byEmily and the one on the right is by Charlotte

This one on the left is byAlice and the one on the right is by Spencer

More Entries For The Identity Competition

2007-06-09T11:10:00.000+01:00

Hey I got quite a few more entries for the competition this morning. I can see a potential winner for the Junior category, beautiful work for such a young age. I also got a lovely family picture from someone in the infant category.

Vin's a real sweetie!

2007-06-08T23:39:00.000+01:00

Vin was so sweet, previously the week before an article was published about the Heritage Project with this photo on it. There was no picture of me, nor was I mentioned even though I was there and the journalist had spoken to me too. I had a little moan, but it wasn't the end of the world. But a week later I open my daily Evening Echo and this is what I see ' Our success in getting this off the ground is down to one person, our researcher, Lisa Horner... and you can read the rest, just click to enlarge. I really can't take all that credit - but it was a wonderful gesture - I was very touched - bless you Vin.

16 Days to the Fun Day

2007-06-08T16:27:00.000+01:00

We've got the marquee, the tables, the chairs sorted. We sort of know what we are doing - may probably need a last minute meeting to be sure.
I need to purchase some face paints - I think I will be doing this next Wednesday with Lisa and Nick when we go to the Pyramid Resource Centre.
If anyone knows where I can quality face paints at reasonable prices do tell, don't keep it to yourself.

A bit about Basildon's History

2007-06-08T16:11:00.000+01:00

In my role as researcher of the Basildon Heritage Trail I have interviewed some very interesting people, including a lady who was the last resident of 'Barstable Hall' (or Basildon Hall). If you go up Clickett Hill and up East Thorpe you will see what remains of a moat beside the the railing to the railway line. If you look carefully you will see where the moat went around the house. They used to have five wells for water, they had orchards and livestock and the whole place was surrounded by fields.
When I met Daphne and walked around listening to her stories I was back there, I could even imagine the enemy planes flying over and the kids diving into woodland or ditches for cover.
So I'm looking forward to hearing these stories from the 'aged persons'. I was one who used to sit by my Nan and listen to her tales, they were fascinating as times have changed so much.

A bit about Interlock

2007-06-07T02:18:00.000+01:00

What is Interlock?

INTERLOCK! is a seven-year programme
funded by the Governments’ Neighbourhood
Renewal Unit to improve the service provision
for Northlands Park residents, by bringing

together residents and service providers.

Our Vision

Our vision is to create a safe, clean, healthy and thriving place to live, where people want to stay and want to move to, where people aspire to the highest levels and achieve their full potential.
Working with service providers in the Year 2 plan and enabling the people who live in the Northlands Park Neighbourhood to play a leading role in working with all those who provide services in the community to address and meet local issues and secure agreed outcomes that will improve the quality of life for all.

Who do we work with?

Northlands Park Neighbourhood
Committee
Health providers
Essex Police
Education providers
District Council
County Council
Sure Start

Some of the projects to date have
included :-
Funding of a Health Drop-In for Young
People
Development of Northlands Park Youth

Funding of additional hours for police
officers to patrol the neighbourhood.
Environment improvements, including
improved lighting, security gating and
street signing.
Healthy eating sessions for children
and families
Children's Mentoring programme in
local primary schools to support
children.
Installation of a Skate park and Ball
Court—improving resources for young
people
Home Safety Checks for Older people
Rubbish Amnesty—removing
unwanted household items.

---

What's Next?

As well as building on the success of the
project development to date, Interlock is
looking to further develop the relationship
between residents and local service
providers.

A bit about Northlands Park Youth Council

2007-06-07T02:06:00.001+01:00

Northlands Park Youth Council – Regular attendance by at least 15 young people supported by Outreach Workers to encourage involvement in the Pathfinder programme. The Youth Council have undertaken projects such as designing and spraying an urban art wall, holding a fishing competition and have recently worked with older people to plant flowers in their Housing Complex

A Youth Council Achievement

Creating a "Mediterranean" garden in Basildon with Northlands Park Youth Council

A new garden has been created in Northlands Park in Basildon, overlooking the lakes.
Working with Basildon Council, Groundwork appointed garden designer Bella D'Arcy - of Gardens for People - to work with Northlands Park Youth Council, to design and plant a drought-resistant Mediterranean garden. The garden includes seating and full access for people with disabilities including those in wheelchairs. Basildon Council also provided financial support and a great deal of staff time.The project proved to be an exciting and informative experience for all those involved; not only is the garden an asset to the park but also young people had the chance to work with a professional on a design for use by everyone. In particular they considered how older people and people with disabilities can use the garden.Twenty-eight young volunteers and four adult volunteers took part enthusiastically in the planting day, supported by Basildon Council youth workers, parks staff and Community Development Officer Heather Wood. There was also some special help from Christine Walkden, who has been contracted for a second series of "Christine's' Garden" after the success of the first series on BBC over Christmas. Christine also opened the garden in early June, accompanied by Councillor Geoffrey Buckenham.Christine told the young people: "this is your garden - you made it. Every time you walk past it you can feel proud of a job well done and of your contribution to your community"Councillor Anthony Hedley, Basildon Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, said "with the region in the grip of a hosepipe ban, we wanted to create a garden that could survive on small amounts of water without losing any of its natural beauty. A Mediterranean-style garden is attractive and easy to maintain, and will bring a continental feel to Northlands Park".

2007-06-06T22:50:00.001+01:00

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.... Pablo Picasso... Spanish Cubist painter (1881 - 1973)

Only 11 days to go...

2007-06-05T21:11:00.000+01:00

To the deadline for handing in your 'Identity Art Competition' pictures. So don't delay a day later - get those pictures to me. I really would love to see more family ones.

Met The Youth Council Today

2007-06-05T21:04:00.000+01:00

At the meeting last Friday I put towards the group the idea of doing the 'Headless Ghost Tour' with the involvement of the Youth Council at Northlands Park - that I was going to meet them on Tuesday (today) and would they help me. Jack, Lisa and Nick said they would, and said it sounds exciting. The Headless Ghost Tour could be a Tour Guided performance, or it could be Narrator and actors which sounds quite challenging but v.exciting.
Today I went to meet the Youth Council and was thinking..'what if they don't want to do it... Oh well, only one way to find out'.
So I bravely stepped into the Youth Council meeting and was very pleased to find out that the Youth Council really wanted to do it and many had quite a passion for acting.
This should be at the very least interesting.

A bit about Lisa - Face Painting, Hippy Art

2007-06-03T15:31:00.000+01:00

I am currently working in three roles within the local community of Basildon. I am the Playweb coordinator at a local leisure centre, working for Basildon District Council. My role here involves programme planning, training staff, ensuring legislation is maintained, writing policies and procedures, applying for funding, administration, budgeting and finance, networking with other agencies creating equal opportunities and involving the local community and parents in the events. My role at the centre also involves running the art programmes which have involved workshops with schools, mural project, exhibitions and outdoor sculptures.

I have recently been employed as a Holiday Activity Coordinator for The Local Development Group - my role involves liasing with 23 schools and 3 children's centres, planning trips, activities and events throughout the holiday period. I create workshops within the school, raise awareness of activities plus many other responsibilities.

I teach Advanced Art and Drawing for Beginners at the Adult Community College working with Essex County Council, and have a City and Guilds 7407 Certificate in Teaching.
I completed my BA and MA in fine arts at the University of East London, which has given me the opportunity to develop and evolve as an artist through professional practice and group exhibitions.

Over the last two years I have also been working independently as a community artist within the local community creating inclusive and diverse art programmes, art projects and workshops. This has included the 'Sculpture Park' at Wat Tyler, the 'Mural Project' at Eversley and promoting 'developing arts' through workshops held with Studio's 2 to name but a few.

In addition to my extensive involvement on visual arts development I am also well aware of the other artistic disciplines including theatre, dance and music. I have liased with Paul Nagle through drama workshops for Studio 2, I have toured with the English National Opera (ENO) and have a full repertoire of theatre skills including lighting, sounds, costume, set design and performance. All of these skills give me a very broad foundation, which I believe will assist Lisa in her goals within community arts. Lisa invites the local community to become physically engaged and involved with a diverse programme from Speakers Corner, art trails, art workshops to animation, puppet and mask making workshops.

A bit about Sylak - Artists Café

2007-06-03T15:29:00.000+01:00

I became involved when I initially approached Lisa with a whole bunch of ideas on how I envisaged art could be positively represented within the community where I lived; the most appealing of which, as it turns out, was the notion of holding a regular Artist’s Café – a place where artistically minded individuals could unite regularly, under relaxed surroundings, and fulfil their needs to express themselves creatively.
With the wholehearted cooperation of the Northlands Park Cafe, we began holding monthly Cafés ever since April 2007 and have never looked back!
As a result, I produced a set of tongue-in-cheek posters - inspired by my childhood memories of Montmartre and La Place du Tertre which we use to promote our monthly get-togethers.
I’ve had an interesting career – creatively. For many years I ran Maskerade a team that worked together putting on theatrical venues at major nightclub events in the capital - at the height of the Rave craze back in the early 90s.
Later I changed direction towards film and television and moved into the world of special effects forming Dark Futures – which focused mainly on the horror and gothic scenes. In 2000 following mounting success our company was incorporated and was renamed Sylak Special Effects Limited.
At roughly the same time I became a father for the first time, and found myself gradually taking on fewer large scale contracts as a result of mounting home responsibilities.
In recent years I have studied: stained glass – as a hobby; and taken up pottery, as well as working with other natural materials to produce sculptures.
I am currently writing fiction – and will be submitting my first work for publication in July.
You can visit my web site at: http://www.sylak.com/

A bit about Jack - Animation Workshop

2007-06-02T15:51:00.000+01:00

This is Jack, he is 17 and runs Loco Motion and Woodlands Animation Group.

You can find out a lot more about him if you go to:

http://www.loco-motion.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=43

You can read about Jack and the Loco Motion Animation group in my article in my other e.mag Spread The Art Word:

http://creativityisme.blogspot.com/2006/12/jack-norris-and-loco-motion-animation.html

Plus check his workshop he videoed which he did for Kick Up the Arts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbYamEI6eII

And more seriously here is a trailer to the film that Loco Motion Animaiton made:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE1Emhq6W2E

This film is on YouTube you just got to look under 'Beeblebrain (?!)'

Hippie Art Day

2007-06-01T23:21:00.000+01:00

When we talked about the 'Hug a Tree Day' there was much excitement and talk of bringing extra things in like a sort of 'Hippie Art Day'. We could possibly do tie-dying or friendship bracelets. Maybe tie-dyed head scarves would be all the rage so that we could pose as hippies.
I imagine these activities happening outside on a sunny day, with little signs around saying Peace and Love.

By the way right now I want one of these Volkswagon Buses or an equally jazzy Volkswagon Beatle.