Dundee based artist Paola McClure is well known for her strange alien-like creatures handmade from vintage fabrics and second-hand clothing. She is interested in fabrics, pattern and colour, and her influences range from the primitive to the camp.
Although some of the work may have a dark edge, it is impossible to escape the sense of fun, and the joy of making, which is in evidence throughout her work.
Taking its name from a popular children's book by Ann and Paul Rand, Sparkle and Spin features new 'soft sculpture' characters and large-scale installation pieces in an exhibition which includes plenty to enthral and inspire visitors, young and old alike.
The hire fee is £1000 per eight week period and includes;
- One way transportation
- Four, large-scale installations
- 15 figures and accompanying plinths
- Six large photographs (1m x 1.52m)
- Three sound buttons of Paola talking about her work
- Six gallery interactives - two which have been produced by Paola
- A resource box including a handling figures for use in schools or by gallery education staff
- Two canvas activity bags
- Postcard packs for sale on a sale or return basis.
Paola is available for workshops.
A selection of visitors' comments about the exhibition:
"Loved Paola's exhibition. Well worth the one and a half hour bus journey to see it. What an imagination!" - Bea Deas, Hull
"Very interesting and eccentric and had a delightful time at this exhibition." - India Cowell, Scunthorpe
"I thought this was one of the best exhibitions I've seen at the arts centre." - Yvonne Richell, Scunthorpe
"Loved playing with the box of materials and pulling shapes off the black board." - mother of Jacob, 14 months old.
"Excellent - a real revelation!" - Norman Shiloch, Liverpool
"I liked the creativity of the sculptures and the fact that children have the opportunity to create their own with the 'Totem Textile' interactive'." - Ellie, Leeds
For more information contact Janine Parrish. Tel: 01724 297076. Email: janine.parrish@northlincs.gov.uk.
Tour schedule
- 18 December 2010 to 12 March 2011 - 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, Scunthorpe
- November 2012 to 16 June 2012 - Exhibition available
- 30 June 2012 to 26 August 2012 - Howden Park Centre, Howden, Livingston, Scotland
- 8 September to 3 November 2012 - Exhibition available
- 17 November 2012 to 2 February 2013 - Exhibition available
- 16 February to 13 April 2013 - Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery
- Mid 2013 - Harley Gallery - TBC