SCILLY
10TH – 19TH MAY 2024
VISITISLESOFSCILLY.COM/CREATIVESCILLY
An island celebration of arts and culture
SCILLY
Scilly artists warmly invite you to discover the Isles from their perspective through a range of workshops, captivating talks and demonstrations.
This May, the islands will be bustling with a diverse selection of cultural events with mainland collaborations featuring theatre performances, musical concerts, open-mic nights, comedy shows, book discussions and more!
SIMON NICHOLLS OF BBC’S NATURE TABLE
COMEDIAN TAMSYN KELLY
SOPRANO NANCY MAY
MIRACLE THEATRE
MAD DOG MCREA
READ BETWEEN THE WINES
visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
MAY
TRAVEL DISCOUNTS
Travelling for this event? Get 10% off travel with Isles of Scilly Travel and Penzance Helicopters. See website for details. visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
Friday 10th
MEET THE MAKER
- ORIEL HICKS -
Talk & make with local glass artist in her studio.
A talk on how traditional stained glass windows are made and fused art glass gifts are created using the kiln. Hear how Oriel became an artist in Scilly, inspired by the local landscape. Have a look at some of her work and ask questions about the technical and design skills involved in making them. Make your own glass keychain as a momento of the day.
LOCATION: Phoenix Craft Studios, Porthmellon Business Park, St. Mary’s
TIME: 2pm - 4pm
PRICE: £15
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
Friday 10th
OLD TOWN INN
OPEN STAGE FRIDAY
Poets, singers, musicians, story tellers, comics and magicians. Join Old Town Inn Open Stage Fridays to showcase your talents! From music, poetry, or monologues, they have you covered. A variety of instruments, guitars, amps, drum kits, backing tracks, and a full PA system will be provided. Whether you’re a solo performer or part of a band, there’s space for everyone to try new things and shine. All ages and abilities are welcome to join in the fun!
LOCATION: Old Town Inn, St. Mary’s
TIME: 8pm - midnight
PRICE: FREE
HOW TO BOOK: No need to book, just come along
PHOENIX CRAFT STUDIOS
Based in Hugh Town, Phoenix Craft Studios was established by glass artist Oriel Hicks to support island artists and makers. Today it’s a cooperative housing six craftspeople (including Oriel), all of whom welcome visitors. Some run occasional courses too.
LOCATION: Phoenix Craft Studios, Porthmellon Business Park, St. Mary’s
phoenixstainedglass.co.uk
Oriel Hicks
Maisie Humphries
Liz Askins
Maxine Bryher
Vickie Heaney
Emily Shaw
Oriel Hicks crafts stained glass windows from mouth-blown glass reflecting the vibrant colours of the Scillonian sea. Spot them in local churches and in the bus shelter on Hugh Town’s Strand. Oriel also makes Tiffany and hot “fused” glass.
phoenixstainedglass.co.uk
Liz Askins produces hand-painted silk scarves and cards which take their inspiration from Scilly’s flowers and wildlife. Agapanthus is a favourite motif.
scillyscarves.co.uk
Trained in zoology, Vickie Heaney makes linocuts and screenprints inspired by the wildlife and maritime culture of Scilly. Look out too for her hand-decorated bone china.
vickieheaney.co.uk
Maisie Humphries encourages low-impact living by using traditional natural dyeing techniques and materials to make t-shirts, other clothing items, and jewellery.
traceless.org.uk
Maxine Bryher pens delicate designs of shells and beach finds, and also paints in oils.
@maxine_bryher_artist
Textile designer Emily Shaw weaves contemporary-styled fabrics for interiors and fashion, drawing on Scilly’s vivid hues, from golden lichens to steely granites and turquoise seas. Look out for yacht designs in her Regatta collection too.
emilymarywoventextiles.com
Saturday 11th
NATURAL BASKETRY
WORKSHOP
Ecological Arts and Heritage with Emma Bennett.
Choose from locally sourced Willow, Tamarisk or Bramble to create your own basket, or try a mix of them all! Fully guided, step-by-step advice by your Scillonian tutor Emma Bennett in a local coastal field. A relaxed and friendly environment with all tools and materials supplied.
LOCATION: Birds corner, Trench Lane, Old Town, St. Mary’s
TIME: 1:30pm - 5pm
PRICE: £58.50 per person or Creative Scilly deal of 2 spaces for £100
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
Saturday 11th
MAD DOG MCREA
LIVE MUSIC
Mad Dog Mcrea play live at the Old Town Inn.
Come along to the Old Town Inn for a lively set by Mad Dog Mcrea, the British folk band from Devon. Their music blends a mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz and bluegrass - you’re in for a jolly good knees up!
LOCATION: Old Town Inn, St. Mary’s
TIME: Doors from 8pm, band on stage at 9pm
PRICE: £12 or £15 on the door!
HOW TO BOOK: oldtowninn-scilly.co.uk/arts or visit the Tourist Information Centre
Sunday 12th
READ BETWEEN THE WINES
Wordsmithery and winecraft in a vineyard.
A book club with a difference! Celebrating wordsmithery and winecraft, sisters Clare and Lucy choose a short story which they pair with a selection of wines… so where better to host this event than the bucolic, meadow-flowered St Martin’s Vineyard. Situated on the south-facing slopes of St. Martin’s, just a stone’s throw from the sea, this coastal winery is a wildlife haven with sustainability at its heart, recognised for this and ‘Highly Commended’ in the 2022 Cornwall Sustainability Awards. Join Clare and Lucy as they pair three Scillonian wines to a Cornish tale, for an accessible, interactive and playful wine tasting!
LOCATION: St Martins Vineyard
TIME: 2:30pm - 3:30pm (LAST BOAT BACK 4:45pm)
PRICE: £24
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
Sunday 12th
OPENING NIGHT
‘SCILLY IN PRINT’
Opportunity to view original prints inspired by the Isles of Scilly.
Tamarisk Gallery welcomes you to the opening night of their exhibition ‘Scilly in Print’. The show features a range of original prints and printed products by local artists and makers together with Scilly-inspired work by artists from the South West. Light refreshments provided.
LOCATION: Tamarisk Gallery, St. Mary’s
TIME: 7pm - 8:30pm
PRICE: FREE
HOW TO BOOK: No need to book, just come along
NOTE: If you miss opening night, don’t worry! The show will run for a further two weeks at the gallery.
ALEX BAGNALL
Visit artist Alex Bagnall’s beachside studio on Bryher and you’ll find a feast for your eyes. Boxes of pastels and watercolour paints jostle for space on the table with colourful beach finds and her latest creations in clay such as googly-eyed fish trying to escape from half opened sardine cans. Walls are hung with watercolours inspired by the dramatic seas, rocks and skies you spy from the window, along with whimsical illustrations of hapless zebras going to sea in a boat, and miniature ink drawings of cities.
LOCATION: Bryher
FIND OUT MORE:
instagram.com/alexbagnallillustrator
“My studio is like the inside of my brain,” says Alex, who trained in Fine Art at Cardiff. “It’s chaotic and messy, but that’s how I like it. I suffer from Too Many Ideas syndrome.”
The core of Alex’s work is illustration. In 2019 she illustrated a book called Walking Stories, featuring stories about Scilly’s islands by well-known authors. Since then she’s created the illustrations (and words) for two (as yet, unpublished) children’s books. All use sombre greys, feature naïve animals such as a small dog lost in a wood, and have a prevailing sense of doom. Repeated motifs, such as stars or fish, are a constant feature. “There’s comfort in repetition,” says Alex.
Monday 13th
AN INTRODUCTION TO TABLE LOOM WEAVING
This 2 ½ hour workshop with Emily Shaw is the ideal way to try weaving on an 8 shaft Ashford table top loom with no experience necessary! The looms will already be threaded up with a lovely soft neutral lambswool, giving you the chance to experiment with a variety of weft yarns and weaving patterns. By the end of the workshop, you will have produced your very own completely unique piece of handwoven fabric.
LOCATION: Phoenix Craft Studios, Porthmellon Business Park, St. Mary’s
TIME: 9:30am - 12pm
PRICE: £75
HOW TO BOOK: emilymarywoventextiles.com/workshops
NOTE: There is space for 2 people on this workshop
Monday 13th
SOPRANO NANCY MAY
Concert by Candlelight with Soprano Nancy May.
Currently touring with renowned tenor Russell Watson, soprano Nancy May is transforming the shape of the classical music scene. Nancy’s unique voice can be heard in concerts around the UK, join her in the beautiful candlelit Tresco Church as she sings a selection of popular opera, songs from musicals, classical favourites and more, for an atmospheric evening to remember.
LOCATION: St. Nicholas’s Church, Tresco
TIME: 7:45pm - 9pm
PRICE: £18
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
Tuesday 14th
MEET THE MAKER
- ELLA FROM PHOENIX & PROVIDENCE SKINCARE -
From the seed of an idea born when swimming in the sea, to award-winning seaweed skincare products.
Ella will share her journey of growing her seaweed skincare business and share an insight into the products she makes. (Ella will also be around to chat through any business ideas you might have and give some ideas for how to make your vision a reality.)
LOCATION: Tregarthan’s Hotel, St. Mary’s
TIME: 11am
PRICE: £15 (includes coffee and croissants)
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
Tuesday 14th
AN INTRODUCTION TO TABLE LOOM WEAVING
This 2 ½ hour workshop with Emily Shaw is the ideal way to try weaving on an 8 shaft Ashford table top loom with no experience necessary! The looms will already be threaded up with a lovely soft neutral lambswool, giving you the chance to experiment with a variety of weft yarns and weaving patterns. By the end of the workshop, you will have produced your very own completely unique piece of handwoven fabric.
LOCATION: Phoenix Craft Studios, Porthmellon Business Park, St. Mary’s
TIME: 4:30pm - 7pm
PRICE: £75
HOW TO BOOK: emilymarywoventextiles.com/workshops
NOTE: There is space for 2 people on this workshop
Tuesday 14th
MEET THE MAKER
- FAY PAGE -
A small series of jewellery making demos with Fay, Rob, Inga and the team.
Join a small series of jewellery making demos with Fay, Rob, Inga and the team. Get a chance to chat with some of the designer and makers at Fay Page Studio whilst they do a series of short demos and chat about how it all began and where the business is now.
LOCATION: Fay Page Studio, St. Martin’s
TIME: 6pm - 7pm
PRICE: £8
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
Tuesday 14th
THE SOL D’ORS
Blues & Jazz night at Karma St. Martin’s.
Enjoy a night of Blues and Jazz at the beachside Karma Hotel on St. Martin’s. Local musicians ‘The Sol D’ors’, comprised of local artist Tean Web singing, accompanied by pianist
Tom who will bring their chilled, soulful blues and jazz with a smokey twist. Expect the songs of Norah Jones and Nina Simone with a dash of Billie Holiday!
LOCATION: Karma St. Martin’s
TIME: 7pm - 8.30pm
PRICE: £5
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
NOTE: Evening boating available (return boat at 9:30pm)
Light bites & bar meals available at the hotel, along with a 2 Rosette Restaurant. Pre-book to secure a table on 01720 422368 or email reception@karmastmartins.com
FAY PAGE
Ashvale Farm in Lower Town used to be known for its fields of scented narcissi, which were tied in the handsome granite-stone flower shed next door. Today, another business is blossoming in that shed – a jewellery business headed by Fay Page that takes its inspiration from the fields and shores of Scilly.
LOCATION: St. Martins
FIND OUT MORE: faypage.co.uk
Fay spent childhood holidays on Scilly, and from a young age wanted to live there. Finally at the age of 25 she moved to St. Mary’s, then to St. Agnes. While living there she accompanied fellow jeweller Sophie Hooper on a three-week jewellery-making course in Ireland and returned with the determination to make jewellery her livelihood. She later met her husband Rob, the boatman on St. Martin’s, who discovered he also had a talent for jewellery making. The pair moved in together on St. Martin’s and in 2010 were offered the tenancy of Ashvale.
Today, what started as just Fay, and then Rob, has become a thriving island business with an additional six islanders working with them. Their silver and gold jewellery features motifs such as shells, bees and moons - all a celebration of everything they love about living on an island and enabling visitors to cherish a morsel of Scilly.
Wednesday 15th
MEET THE MAKER AT TAMARISK GALLERY
Give monoprinting a try, Five-minute creativity pit stop!
Pop in to Tamarisk Gallery at any point between 11am and 1pm and try your hand at monoprinting with Erica Swain. This is an opportunity to reconnect with your inner child, get creative and have some fun! Results are quick and easy and can be taken away or left to dry and collected later. Suggested donation of £1 towards materials.
LOCATION: Tamarisk Gallery, Hugh Town, St. Mary’s
TIME: 11am - 1pm
COST: £1 towards costs (payable on the day)
HOW TO BOOK: Booking not required - just pop in at any point and spend a few minutes having fun!
Wednesday 15th
EXPLORING FLOWERS WITH SKETCHING AND WATERCOLOUR
Two hour workshop led by silk painter Liz Askins.
Join this two hour workship led by silk painter Liz Askins working with flowers. Flowers are fascinating structures with different shapes and colours. You will look closely at your chosen flower, sketch what you see and explore the hues in watercolour. All materials will be provided. You might like to bring your own flower or flowers. Suitable for beginners and for those with more experience!
LOCATION: Phoenix Craft Studios, Porthmellon Business Park, St. Mary’s
TIME: 2pm - 4pm
COST: £35
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
Wednesday 15th
BBC’S SIMON NICHOLLS NATURE TABLE TALK
Simon Nicholls ‘Nature Table’ talk with the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust.
Join multi-award-winning BBC Comedy producer Simon Nicholls as he talks about ‘Nature Table’, his Radio 4 show presented by Sue Perkins which delves into the world of funny nature. Simon will be in conversation with Jaclyn Pearson of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, where they will discuss the marriage of comedy and nature, plus his new book ‘A Housefly Buzzes in the key of F’. The book is loaded with fascinating funny facts, showcasing our planet’s flora and fauna in all its glory. Simon is himself an avid wildlife lover, whale-watcher and has produced some of the best comedy in the UK including French and Saunders, Jack Dee, Nevermind The Buzzcocks and Room 101.
Simon will also discuss what it takes to be a comedy writer, and how he has made a career from being funny. Copies of Simon’s book – featuring a foreword by Sue Perkins - will be available to buy, which Simon will be happy to sign.
LOCATION: Star Castle Hotel, St. Mary’s
TIME: 2pm - 4pm
COST: £12.50
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
Thursday 16th
MEET THE MAKER - RICHARD PEARCE -
A Q&A with Richard Pearce in his iconic Bryher Studio.
Join Bryher artist Richard Pearce in his charming studio on the beach’s edge to learn about the history of being an artist on one of the smallest inhabited islands in the UK. Discover the challenges and inspiration he finds in working in such a remote place – it’s sure to be an enlightening experience. The talk includes a glass of wine and plenty of charisma!
LOCATION: Richard Pearce studio, Bryher
TIME: 2pm
COST: £12
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
ELLIE TABRON
Ellie moved to Tresco aged two and ever since being given a disposable camera at the age of nine has been a keen photographer. During the pandemic, she dreamed up the idea of creating a Tresco calendar displaying some of her best images.
LOCATION: Tresco
FIND OUT MORE: tresco.co.uk/enjoying/events/tresco-makers-market
Almost accidentally, Ellie had started a business. She subsequently taught herself graphic design and used her new-found digital design skills to produce place mats and coasters depicting Scilly’s famous pilot gig rowers, and a family board game based on Scilly.
In 2021, Ellie came up with the idea of a Makers Market, where she and fellow creatives could interact with the public and sell their wares. The first market proved such a success that Ellie decided to run them monthly and invite makers from other islands too. They’re now a regular fixture during the season.
Meet some of the Market’s Tresco makers:
* Fiona Hufton crafts pots on the quay at New Grimsby, then fires them in a kiln or in a firepit.
* Emily Parsons creates jewellery (branded Ennor) using recycled silver and sea glass foraged from Tresco’s shores.
* Jasmine Melley makes washbags, purses and aprons sold under the name of Bryher Jasmine.
Thursday 16th
CRAZY PATCHWORK AND EMBELLISHMENT
A perfect scrappy fabric craft with the Lyonnese Quilters.
You can see how to create an embroidered patchwork block using oddments and scraps of fabric in a random way in this relaxed immersive experience. The technique reached heights of popularity in Victorian times, but can be used in a contemporary way to be mindful of not wasting even small scraps of material.
LOCATION: The Church Pavilion, St. Mary’s
TIME: 2.30-3.30pm
COST: £5
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
Thursday 16th
PAINT THE DAY - TRESCO
Get artistically inspired with our day-long painting challenge, celebrating our inspirational Isles.
Draw inspiration from Tresco’s varied landscape and everchanging light with this creative challenge. ‘Paint the Day’ invites you to spend the day capturing your favourite Scilly scene in whatever medium appeals.
Basic art supplies will be available from Gallery Tresco from 10am, and all ages and skill levels are invited to participate. Head out for the day and capture your scene inspired by the island’s nature. Finished works can be returned to the Gallery by 4pm on the same day, ready to be displayed in the pop-up exhibition.
LOCATION: Gallery Tresco
TIME: From 10am
COST: FREE
HOW TO BOOK: No need to book, just come along
Thursday 16th
OPEN STUDIO NIGHT AT PHOENIX CRAFT STUDIOS
An evening chatting to artists with drinks and nibbles.
Come and see the crafts which are made locally and chat to the creative community in their studios. Ask any questions about their skills and inspirations with a drink and nibbles for a fascinating evening. Stained glass, jewellery, printmaking, silk painting, weaving, drawing and painting, and more.
LOCATION: Phoenix Craft Studios, Porthmellon Business Park, St. Mary’s
TIME: 6pm - 8pm
COST: £10
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
Thursday 16th
MIRACLE THEATRE PRESENTS ‘THE QUIZZARDS’!
The Quizzards have brewed up a quiz night that’s beyond your wildest imaginations!
Gather your teammates at the Flying Boat Studio and grab a Tresco G&T from the bar downstairs before you take on Miracle Theatre’s ‘The Quizzards’ challenge! Expect classic rounds, quirky sections, special local segment - and a seriously strong intro - this quiz is going to require ingenuity and wit to claim top prize. All levels of brilliance are welcome, as they ignite your competitive spirit and celebrate community connections through the joy of quizzing. Bring friends (or come and make some!) and spend a night of fun with The Quizzards Pub Quiz Extravaganza!
LOCATION: Flying Boat Studio, Tresco
TIME: 6:45pm - 9pm
COST: £12
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
Friday 17th
MEET THE MAKER - MAISIE HUMPHRIES -
Join local artist Maisie in her studio and learn how to make your own silver jewllery.
Come and have a go at making your own set of three silver stacking rings to treasure and show off to your friends and family. You will be taught how to size ring bands; saw, file and solder; shape your rings and finally add texture.
LOCATION: Phoenix Craft Studios, Porthmelllon Business Park, St. Mary’s
TIME: 5.30 - 7.30pm
COST: £65
HOW TO BOOK: traceless.org.uk/booking-calendar/ stacking-rings-workshop
Friday 17th
OLD TOWN INN OPEN
STAGE FRIDAY
Poets, singers, musicians, story tellers, comics and magicians. Join Old Town Inn Open Stage Fridays to showcase your talents! From music, poetry, or monologues, they have you covered. A variety of instruments, guitars, amps, drum kits, backing tracks, and a full PA system will be provided. Whether you’re a solo performer or part of a band, there’s space for everyone to try new things and shine. All ages and abilities are welcome to join in the fun!
LOCATION: Old Town Inn, St. Mary’s
TIME: 8pm - Midnight
HOW TO BOOK: No need to book, just come along
Friday 17th
MIRACLE THEATRE PRESENTS ‘THE QUIZZARDS’!
The Quizzards have brewed up a quiz night that’s beyond your wildest imaginations!
Tuck into a Seven Stones Inn pub classic before settling down for Miracle Theatre’s ‘The Quizzards’ challenge! Expect classic rounds, quirky sections, special local segment - and a seriously strong intro - this quiz is going to require ingenuity and wit to claim top prize. All levels of brilliance are welcome, as they ignite your competitive spirit and celebrate community connections through the joy of quizzing. Bring friends (or come and make some!) and spend a night of fun with The Quizzards Pub Quiz Extravaganza!
LOCATION: Seven Stones Inn, St. Martin’s
TIME: 7pm- 9pm
COST: £12
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/creativescilly
Saturday 18th
COMEDIAN
TAMSYN KELLY
Comedy night with Tamsyn Kelly.
Tamsyn Kelly is a working-class comedian, actor and writer from Penzance, Cornwall. As a comedian Tamsyn is currently supporting Kiri Pritchard-McLean on her tour Home Truths, while developing her own hour Tamsyn Kelly’s Cornwall. Tamsyn has recently appeared in the Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2), and was a regional finalist in the BBC New Comedian of the Year Award (BBC One). Tamsyn currently has a script commission from Channel 4, as well as various other scripted projects in development. She’s also a writer and performer on a new Cornish based BBC Radio 4 series Wasson Cornwall with Dawn French.
LOCATION: The Old Town Inn, St. Mary’s
TIME: 8pm- 9pm
COST: £8
HOW TO BOOK:
oldtowninn-scilly.co.uk/arts or visit the Tourist Information Centre
