Contemporary Film @ PAD..... Part II

Our first contemporary film night was such a success that we are holding another!

This time we hope to focus mainly on North West film-makers and are currently in the process of sourcing work from local artists. Are you a film-maker? Do you know any local film-makers? This could be a great way to showcase your work for free and get inspired by other film-makers in the lush surroundings of The New Continental (www.newcontinental.net).

See the PAD website for details of how to apply.

2nd Contemporary Film Night: 29th October 2009

PAD’s Inaugural Volunteer of the Quarter is…

… Elizabeth Lambert!

Beth began volunteering at PAD in February and has participated in loads of projects including multiple exhibition changeovers, openings and workshops. Her favourite activities at PAD include installing exhibitions and being a member of the Steering Committee. She is currently pursuing a degree in Textile Innovation at the University of Central Lancashire and hopes to pursue a career as a working artist alongside freelance writing and gallery work. Beth is well known for her trendy fashion sense and formerly for her fabulous pink hair. She loves photography and enjoys making jewellery in her spare time. Her favourite artists include Sandra Rhodes and Vincent van Gogh. PAD would like to recognise and thank Beth for all the time, enthusiasm and flawless style she’s contributed over the past several months. Thank you, Beth! We love you!

All Change!

There are quite a few changes going on at PAD. We have a new exhibition, new opening hours and a new gallery manager.

Firstly, we are pleased to introduce Catrin Mostyn-Jones who will be replacing Josie Rice while she is on maternity leave. So best wishes to Josie and welcome to Catrin!

Clear your diary and come to PAD this Saturday (1/08/09). The excellent 'Creative futures' exhibition will be ending so be sure to check it out before it closes. The standard of work is extremely high, we clearly have some real talent amongst the young people of the North West.

And if that wasn't enough, we have also extended our Saturday opening hours (from 10am - 4pm). To celebrate we are offering a 10% discount to our first 10 customers, this Saturday only. Whew!

We're Here, We Knit, Get Used To It!!

Thanks to everyone who 'came out' in support of Worldwide Knitting in Public Day, it was loads of fun.

We had conceptual art courtesy of Steph Hurst and Mark Illott: 'Yarn Winding' where a continuous length of yarn was wrapped around the PAD building at various points throughout the day. Catriona Stamp gave a talk on the art of bookmaking that a lot of people attended. We had traditional crafts in the form of Rag Rug making and, of course, hordes of proud public knitters.

If any of you listen to Preston FM you might have caught us on Anji & Bob's show, also the Lancashire Evening Post covered the event, you can read about it here: http://www.lep.co.uk/news/Knitting-skills-on-show-at.5373007.jp

While we are on this theme, I recomend everyone to take a look at New York based hip-hop guerilla knitting collective Knitta Please: http://www.knittaplease.com/KNITTA_PLEASE.html and be inspired!

Let's give ourselves a pat on the back...

We conclude that PAD's first film screening was a resounding success! Despite a few last minute problems, the event was enjoyed by all and we received glowing feedback, such as :

"Gets people talking about interesting projects and ideas. A great success!"
"Thankyou, it was fantastic."
"FREE IS GOOD!"
"Keep up the good work."

We will be looking at improving the event for the future and will keep you updated about future film screenings. If you haven't already let us know what you think, please leave a comment below.

'Palimpsest' Magda, Tracy & Jane

The definition of Palimpsest is one of previous text or texts having been imperfectly erased and remaining, therefore still partly visible. The works in this exhibition are a culmination of three artists Tracy Griffin, Jayne Simpson and Magda Stawarska-Beavan who have taken the idea that life experiences become erased or forgotten through time but always partly remain shaping and defining ours lives and experiences of the present and future. The common thread through their work is one of motherhood and womanhood – a reflection and visual comment of the ordinary everyday but extraordinary encounters these relationships bring. Griffin, Simpson and Stawarska-Beavan explore the delicate balance of their relationships and the challenge of creating space and time to pursue their work as artists.

Show runs until Saturday 30th May

PAD's 1st Contemporary Film Night!

PAD comes to the New Continental for a dynamite night of contemporary video art! The two-hour-long programme features a varied and dynamic selection of new media, elected and collected by PAD staff. This eclectic screening includes work by Surrealist pioneers like Maya Deren and Jan Švankmajer, early performance-for-the-camera by Bas Jan Ader and Andy Warhol, alongside contemporary video by Pipilotti Rist, animation by David Firth (Salad Fingers) and surprise works by other powerhouse filmmakers. Also featuring new work by lesser-known video artists, this FREE event aims to entertain and engage. Don’t miss PAD’s first instalment of experimental media and the opportunity to let us know what you want to see next!

Thursday 21sy May, 7:30pm - 9:30pm

The New Continental
South Meadow Lane
Preston PR1 8JP
T: 01772 499425