current projects

Focal Point Gallery are very pleased to announce the arrival of the Cameravan. A quirky camera obscura that from the outside appears to be a brightly coloured 70's Sprite caravan but when you step inside, all goes dark and you can enjoy a peculiar voyeuristic view of the outside world. The gallery team are in the process of cleaning and repainting it in the gallery colours and signage ready for our summer activities. We would like to thank BCA Gallery, Bedford for the loan of the Cameraven. If your organisation would like to do a project with our Cameravan, please contact Education and Outreach on 01702 534109. For details of forthcoming events and workshops using the cameravan click here.

REACH OUT

OFF SITE: COLLECTIVE VISION

Over the winter Focal Point Gallery worked with young people from four Southend groups to make art about their localities using a variety of media including our Cameravan.   Led by artists Lynn Weddle, Elina Jokipii , Wig Sayell and Alan hockett, the project was run in conjunction with Southend YMCA, St Nicholas School and SAFE (Supporting Aspergers Families in Essex). The project, funded by Mediabox resulted in four films, photographs and sound work.   These will be on display in the library during May.   The project ended with a celebratory event in February attended by the Mayor, Youth and Deputy Mayors.

BLUEPRINT  

This volunteering project has been devised from scratch by young people interested in improving their arts skills. The group has worked with artists, Jenny Hill and Judy Payne to develop reminiscence work. They met in January with members of the Salvation Army to inform and inspire them.

Volunteers have also been encouraged to write their thoughts about exhibitions and events at Focal Point Gallery (please see below).

Review of Just An Ordinary Life by Joanne Skeels

Review of Hidden in Plain Sight by Adam Gooding

EXTENDED SCHOOLS CLUBS

Artists Wig Sayell and Trisha North are working with Porters Grange and Prince Avenue Primary Schools respectively in After Schools Clubs.   This is a pilot project being developed with support from Southend's extended schools programme.

WATCH THIS SPACE

Students from Greensward College joined artist Lynn Weddle to develop their A level Photography course work. The project was funded by engage, the National Association for Gallery Education, to develop a working relationship between a school and a gallery.