Following on from the well-received Artist Prison Residencies in 2021, curator and artist Luminara Florescu will be returning to Shepton Mallet Prison with a new exhibition for Somerset Art Weeks 2022. From October 1-9, six artists will be taking over C-Wing in Shepton Mallet Prison in Somerset to create an exhibition of site responsive, immersive artworks. Curator and contributing artist, Luminara Florescu will be joined by Louise Hall, Jessica Mallock, Georgina Towler, Tina Salvidge and Dave Webb in working with colour, form, light and sound to bring to life and celebrate the past and present stories of the unique 400 year old building. 

 The exhibition, called OUTSIDE IN, is part of the Somerset Art Week Festival 2022 and is inspired by the festival's theme 'Sanctuary'. Visitors to C-Wing can expect to experience and interact with a wide range of artworks including installation, algorithmic art, video, drawing performance, sculpture and a giant board game. 

Each artist has been allocated a cell on the wing and will respond to the building through the methods and themes explored within their own art practice. Luminara Florescu creates participatory installations considering themes of wellbeing while testing and transcending perceived boundaries of art. Louise Hall is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice explores conversations on postcolonial ideas of the Black British experience in the UK. Jessica Mallock uses painting and mark making as a practice of Mindfulness. Georgina Towler creates installations that fragment the visual pane to deconstruct the way light and colour constructs space and creates form. Tina Salvidge's installations and digital works explore the extraordinary within the ordinary. Dave Webb creates installations exploring life and the human mind through creative coding and digital art.

OUTSIDE IN aims to inspire curiosity, intrigue and joy as visitors are immersed in the transformed space of C-Wing.

FREE WORKSHOPS

Artists will also be running a number of FREE workshops during the exhibition which visitors are welcome to participate in. No booking is required just turn up on the day. (Not including Creative Coding for Beginners - please book via https://www.luminaraflorescu.com/contact

TEXTILE COLLAGE WORKSHOP - 1 October

Join artist Louise Hall in the making fabric collage workshop with scrap fabric and sustainably-sourced fabric. If you like, please bring some fabric from home! All ages welcome.

1pm-2pm FREE Entry to C-Wing. No booking required. 

Join artist Louise Hall in making keepsake boxes with scrap fabric and sustainably-sourced fabric. If you like, please bring some fabric from home!

1pm-2pm FREE Entry to C-Wing. No booking required. 

 MORNING MEDITATION – GET INTO YOUR BODY FOR THE DAY AHEAD! -1 & 2 and 8 & 9 October

A family friendly, gentle morning meditation with artist and shaman Jessica Mallock. Take a breath and find sanctuary in the stillness of your body. All ages welcome.

10am-10.30am FREE Entry to C-Wing. No booking required. 

DESIGN AND MAKE A TRIANGLE TO BE PART OF AN ART INSTALLATION! - 1 and 2 October

Come and help artist Luminara Florescu fill a whole prison cell with colourful triangles made from recycled and sustainable materials. Luminara will guide you in designing and making two small triangles. One to take home and one to be part of an art installation. Suitable for ages 8+

11.30pm-12.30pm FREE Entry to C-Wing. No booking required. 

MAKE A CLAY TEA LIGHT HOLDER AND BELL WORKSHOP - 1 and 2 October

Join artist Tina Salvidge in making a clay tea light holder and bell. Your creations will be fired in a kiln for you to pick up at a time arranged with the artist. . All ages welcome.

2pm-3pm FREE Entry to C-Wing. No booking required. 

SIMPLE AND MEDITATIVE EMBROIDERY LESSON - 1 and 8 October

Come and join artist Jessica Mallock for a simple, slow and meditative embroidery lesson. All ages welcome.

4pm-5pm FREE Entry to C-Wing. No booking required. 

CREATIVE CODING FOR BEGINNERS - 8 and 9 October

Have a go at Creative Coding to create stunning digital abstract artworks with digital artist Dave Webb. Please bring your own laptop. Suitable for ages 11+

10am-12pm Free of charge. Booking essential 

FABRIC SKETCHBOOK WORKSHOP - 8 October

Join artist Louise Hall in making Fabric bound sketchbooks with a variety of scrap and sustainably-sourced fabrics. If you like, please bring some fabric from home!

1pm-2pm FREE Entry to C-Wing. No booking required.

FAMILY PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP - 9 October

Join artist Louise Hall for a fun family workshop, exploring performance art through different family friendly activities. All ages welcome.

11am-12pm FREE Entry to C-Wing. Workshop by donation or free. No booking required.