A Thousand Sheep

During October and November, the Tidworth area board and Wiltshire Council, supported a project at the  Clarendon Junior School. The school as over 85% army children. I spent 3 days with the children making over 300 bundles, in which we included a wish or message for the earth, for peace or for respect. The students of the wellington academy helped finishing the bundles made by the Clarendon Junior school children on the following week. Read the article about it from Wellington Academy Newsletter: "Over the half term break on Tuesday 23rd October, GCSE and A level textile students had the fantastic opportunity of participating in a workshop with French artist Laurence Dube-Rushby. Laurence is currently based at the River Bourne Community Farm for a year and is working on an installation piece using sheep fleece and natural materials. “A Thousand Sheep” is an attempt to represent the landscape by using its natural resources; the sheep in the fields...

“A Thousand Sheep” art project has created much interest and involvement in the community; Over 10000 visitors of which 1800 school children 700 school children involved in the making, 85% of whom were from army’s families(from Coombe Bisset school, Clarendon Junior school, Wellington Academy and Godolphin school.) 150 adult and youth volunteers of which 50 art students over 80   local, national and international artists were involved in discussions and making of the pieces. 20 recovering soldiers from Tedworth House 8 local organisations 6 work experience students 5 farmers 4 local businesses 1 film maker Quotes from participants I've watched Laurence's ideas evolve from the start, unfolding from a really rigourous concept through to a living, growing project, drawing in people from all walks of life, makers, beginners, experts and involving them first hand in the life of the work. During the process Laurence has gathered new skills, knowledge,...

 Sean and Jan, concentrating hard on the last few bundles!  Last   madder dyed bath!  Bundles awaiting for packing time! Last jobs!

Exhibition Time A Thousand Sheep is now complete, thanks to the incredible contribution of many hard working volunteers. Bridport Arts Centre will be the first to host the work. Taunton Brewhouse will follow and the tour will culminate in a home coming exhibition as part of the Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival 2013, with a launch event to celebrate the volunteers' input. Please keep watching for more developement of the project in the months to come and I look forward to welcoming you during private views and talks lined up .

On Wednesday 20th of february, Laurence Rushby and her team of volunteers at the River Bourne Community Farm will/ complete/ have completed(for post event publication) the making of 1000 bundles of red wool dyed with madder plant to be part of a large Art Installation ; «  A Thousand Sheep ». Ben Parker, Farm chairman and director will   make the last piece. The project has run at the River Bourne Community Farm for the past 3 years and will come to complition when Ben makes the last piece on Wednesday. “A Thousand Sheep” art project has created much interest and involvement in the community; Over 10000 visitors of which 1800 school children 700 school children involved in the making, 85% of which were from army’s families(from Coombe Bisset school, Clarendon Junior school, Wellington Academy and Godolphin school.) 150 adult and youth volunteers of which 50 art students over 80   local, national and international artists were involved in discussi...