There are 2 SPACES LEFT on my 'Knotted Tapestry' Weekend Workshop in Studio 246 in St. Margaret's House, Edinburgh

Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September 2024

10am - 4pm

£195 Weaving materials and tea/coffee provided

Join us for a 2-day weaving workshop, exploring the 'knotted technique' within a tapestry structure.

Weavers will work on the 'wrong side' of the tapestry - i.e. the back is gacing the weaver.

After warping-up, the loom is turned around, as is the design, and a series of half-hitch knots/ double soumaks are built up, in rows and blocks. The knots are like a series of 'building blocks', similar to pixel squares used in Minecraft and QR codes.

We will draw out a cartoon on paper, which is transferred onto acetate. The acetate is then turned over, in order to reverse the design.

This technique lends itself to building up shapes, without having to consider the usual 'over/under' sequence across passes and weft relays.

Knots can be tied from both the front and the back, creating a variety of surface texture.

This technique can be widely used for all tapestry designs, and is particularly ideal for exploring geometric shapes, linear designs and lettering.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own source material for inspiration, paying attention to pattern, colour, texture, etc.

There is a range of materials on offer, such as cottons, wools, linens and unusual yarns for experimental weft blending. If participants wish to use a particular material they have, they are welcome to bring it along.

Participants should bring their own loom, otherwise they are available to purchase at an extra charge.

Suitable for all levels

For further info, please get in touch through my CONTACT PAGE or https://www.instagram.com/jomcdonaldart/

I will be running a 2-day "Exposed Warp" Tapestry Weaving workshop at Central Scotland School of Craft in Dunblane on Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd September 2024

Join us for a fun weekend of traditional craft with a contemporary twist!

Weaving on exposed warps lets you move away from the traditional straight edged tapestry and explore organic and irregular shapes. Colourful exposed warp threads can correspond or contrast to become an integral part of your design. 

This is a weaving course suitable for all levels of ability, from beginners to those looking to add extra interest to their weaving.

For further info and booking: https://scottishcraftschool.com/weekend-workshops/

I have a limited number of spaces available in my weaving groups, for the remaining 5 weeks of this term, in my St. Margaret's House studio, London Road, Edinburgh.

They are 2 hour sessions. Mondays and Tuesdays (various times).

Please get in touch through my CONTACT PAGE if you fancy joining to find out more information

Diploma for subtle use of material, 11th International Biennial of Textile Miniatures - "Measure" Exhibition, Art Gallery ARKA, Vilnius, Lithuania

Very pleased to be awarded the above diploma at November's exhibition in Vilnius.

For further info: www.arkagalerija.lt/

The 11th International Biennial of Textile Miniatures "Measure"

Lithuanian Artist' Association's Art Gallery ARKA, Ausros Vartu str 7, LT-01304 Vilnius, Lithuania

The theme of the exhibition is a measure, i.e. a value expressed using the units of measurement. Sizes and measures are all around us from physical units expressed as digital values and used to measure the entire tangible world, from salaries, hallmarks of precious metals, clothes, body mass indexes, body sizes (expressed in the form of letters, symbols, or digits), and information technology units (kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes) to metaphors reflecting the measurements of importance or self-worth of a person or of common values or identity.

Standard dimensions (20 x 20cm) are the fundamental feature of textile miniatures. But people say that it's not the size that defines the value of an artwork. However, we are often inclined to think that such a small format limits the creative freedom of an artist raising certain challenges and requiring exceptional diligence and technical skills. On the other hand, it may help to create more flexible works which are easier to transport and it may facilitate the physical impact of an artist on shapes and forms and encourage experiments. So here's the question: does a measure limit the freedom of expression of an artist or does it help to reveal it? We encourage the participants of the exhibition to contemplate their relationship with the set units, standards, references, and norms, to discuss the ratio between the size (dimensions) of an artwork and its value, to analyse how a smaller format changes the artwork and, perhaps, offer their own measures and standards that reflect their own world view. What is the meaning of a dimension or a unit of measure for a creator?

Tuesday 12th November - Wednesday 4th December 2019

For further info: www.arkagalerija.lt

The Collection II

One Monev Gallery, 14 Ivan Vazov Str, 1000 Sofia Center, Sofia, Bulgaria

For the second time SOFIA PAPER ART FEST will present an exhibition at ONE MONEV Gallery. The artist, Jo McDonald from Scotland, was awarded last year by the AMATERAS International Competition at ONE MONEV Gallery. The award is an independent project that can show an interesting world, created by the artist and her fairy tales in paper. The choice of this artist is in unison with the trends, which the gallery supports - innovation, conceptual vision and contemporary messages.

Jo McDonald is not an unknown artist for the fans of paper art. She is a two-time winner of awards at the annual competition in 2013 and is distinct with light romanticism intertwined with conceptual idea. Scotland is a country of fairy tales and this is part of the artist's concept. 

Thursday 18th April - Sunday 12th May 2019

Monday - Friday 12noon-7pm,  Saturday & Sunday 12noon-6pm

For further info: www.onegallery.eu

                         www.amateras.eu

                         https://www.facebook.com/sofiapaperartfest

Current

The Tatha Gallery, The Newport, 1 High Street, Newport-on-Tay. DD6 8AB

Tatha and Visual Arts Scotland join forces to bring you "Current," an Open Call exhibition of works by selected VAS members.

Helen Glassford and Lindsay Bennet, co-founders of the gallery, have worked with a panel of VAS representatives to select a varied selection of works that demonstrates the diversity of creativity that VAS represents.

The painting, printmaking and sculpture on display, along with their stunning location makes a recipe for interest, excitement and excellence.

Saturday 25th August - Saturday 22nd September 2018

10.30am - 5pm daily (Closed Tuesdays and Sundays)

For further info: www.tathagallery.com

                         www.visualartsscotland.org 

10th Amateras Annual Mini Paper Art Exhibition 2018

The National Palace of Culture, Bulevard "Bulgaria, 1463 Ndk, Sofia, Bulgaria

67 artists from 27 countries.

The exhibition, established in 2009 by The Amateras Foundation, marks the beginning of The Sofia Paper Art Fest 2018.

The main aim of the exhibition is to create a tradition in the presentation of contemporary 2D and 3D small-size paper art, created by artists from all over the world without restrictions of techniques, styles or kind of paper. The purpose of the exhibition is to stimulate the development of creativity and innovations and to exceed the ordinary imagination of using paper and to promote the exchange of ideas and sharing of original experiments.

During the exhibition, there will be workshops, events, Congress of IAPMA and The Night of the Museums and Galleries.

Tuesday 12th April - Saturday 19th May 2018

For further info: www.amateras.eu

THE COLLECTION II

Custom Lane, Custom Wharf, 67 Commercial St, Edinburgh. EH6 6LH

Solo exhibition of a collection of works experimenting extensively with traditional tapestry weaving techniques, using paper as an alternative medium to the customary wools and threads.The second-hand books and printed matter used carry traces of the past, with fingerprints, dedications and scribbled notes offering a glimpse into their earlier life. These new structures, attentively crafted by hand from the deconstructed leaves, retain their original history, whilst taking on a renewed visual form and meaning.

Works are for sale.

Tuesday 13th - Sunday 18th February 2018

10am - 5pm daily

Admission free

For further info: HTTPS://customlane.co/event/jo-mcdonald-the-collection-ii/

                             HTTPS://www.customlane.co

BURNS UNBROKE

CONTEMPORARY ARTS INSPIRED BY ROBERT BURNS

Summerhall, Summerhall Place, Edinburgh. EH9 1PL

Burns Unbroke is a new contemporary multi-arts festival offering diverse creative responses to Burns. Featured are over 30 visual artists, an Alternative Burns Night, a Flyting competition, a tailor made programme of music as well as children's performance and workshops and a series of Whisky Masterclasses with Arran Whisky.

The title of Burns Unbroke was inspired by the epigram which prefixed Robert Burn's first publication in 1786:

The Simple Bard, unbroke by rules of art,

He pours the wild effusions of the heart;

And if inspir'd 'tis Nature's pow'rs inspire;

Her's all the melting thrill, and her's the kindling fire

Thursday 25th January - Saturday 10th March 2018

For further information: www.burnsunbroke.co.uk

                                     info@artruist.com

                                     Tel: 0131 667 0390

                                     www.summerhall.co.uk

Upcoming solo show at One Monev Gallery in Sofia, Bulgaria. 2019

Having exhibited as part of the Amateras 10th Mini Paper Art Exhibition in Sofia, Bulgaria this year, I am very pleased to have been awarded a prize of a solo show in One Monev Gallery next year.

The proposed exhibition will be part of the Sofia Paper Art Fest 2019, taking place in May. (Exact dates tbc).

For further info: www.onegallery.eu

                          www.amateras.eu

TAPESTRY WEAVING COURSE (All levels), within Edinburgh Adult Education Programme, at Drummond Community High School

There are still a few places left for Tapestry Weaving with Jo McDonald at Drummond Community High School.

Wednesdays. 9.30 - 12.30

Start date 24th January. 14 week course, with breaks for February mid-term and Easter

For further info, and to book a place: online at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/adultcourses

                                                           in person or telephone Drummond Community High,

                                                                                                41, Bellevue Place, EH7 4BS

                                                                                                Tel 0131 556 2651

I currently have works for sale in...

The Scottish Design Exchange, Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre (first floor), Ocean Drive,

Edinburgh. EH6 6JJ

Tel: 07702 274033

Monday - Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-5pm

The Scottish Design Exchange is a unique concept store and non-profit creative community, bringing up to 150 artists and designers together to share a new contemporary retail space in Edinburgh that benefits both the makers and customers.

For further information: www.scottishdesignexchange.com

Forth Valley ArtBeat 2016

(Venue 28 on the Pink Route)

West Moss-side Organic Farm & Centre, Thornhill, Stirling. FK8 3QJ

Tel: 01786 850428  Mob: 07870 156502

Saturday 11th June - Sunday 19th June 2016

Wednesday-Saturday 10am-7pm, Monday/ Tuesday 10am-5pm

Admission free

West Moss-side Centre is celebrating 10 years of evolution and creative growth. Work is displayed in the steading and hayloft plus the hall, and new for 2016 - the studio/ basketry in the farmhouse.

The West Moss-side Collective is a group of artists - Georgia Crook, Jill Dow, Jo McDonald and Kate Sankey, whose varied work will complement the main artists' exhibition - Charmian Pollok, Darren Rees, Graham Tristram and Gillie Welstead.

Mixed media, Weaving, Sculpture, Drawing, Printmaking.

Works for sale. Light refreshments.

For further information: www.westmossside.com

                                     www.forthvalleyopenstudios.com

Directions: The West Moss-side Farm road is located 1/4 mile west of Thornhill village on the road to Aberfoyle (A873), directly after the de-restriction speed sign on the left. Turn left, then follow the road to the right for a full mile until the road end.

Converge 2016

Scottish National Galleries, Academy Building, The Mound, Edinburgh. EH2 2EL

Friday 29th January - Saturday 20th February 2016

Monday - Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12noon-5pm

Admission free

Visual Arts Scotland presents their annual exhibition of fine art, design and applied art.

1300 entries by 600 artists, over 150 of which were selected.

Highlights include: three invited artists, showcase of 6 invited graduates and The Cordis Prize for Tapestry.

For further information: www.visualartsscotland.org

Read a review of the show in:

The Scotsman by Duncan Macmillan

www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/culture/art/art-review-visual-arts-scotland-converge-edinburgh-1-4024003

The Times by Giles Sutherland

www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/scotland/article4684531.ece

The Skinny

www.theskinny.co.uk/art/emerging-artists/converge-visual-arts-scotland

EVENTS:

VAS Hands On Day

Sunday 14th February. 3pm

A fun day for all the family! See some of our artists at work and try creating your own piece of art!

Admission free

Movers and Makers Wrap Party

Thursday 18th February. 6.30-9pm

Celebrate the end of another great show with an evening of music, drinking and dancing.

Tickets £6, available from www.visualartsscotland.org/blog-article/movers-and-makers

Scottish Art Scene Online Magazine, Issue 46, April 2015

http://scottish-art-scene.com/Derek_Robertson__Phil_McLoughlin__Jo_McDonald.pdf