Anne-Marie Stijelja is a mixed media artist, workshop provider and art space curator. Her latest exhibition entitled ‘I spy with my little eye’ fulfils a long held desire to explore art using the five senses and will be on display in the Foyer Gallery of Bedford School from 5 June – 3 July where Anne-Marie also works part-time as an Art Technician.
On visiting art galleries, Anne-Marie confides that she has difficulty stopping herself from touching the work on display. “I have an urgent compulsion to touch every sculpture I come into contact with, in order to help me understand its form and gain a real connection with the piece. I am continually frustrated when I see children warned off touching objects when they are intrigued by what they are confronted with and all they want is a greater understanding through touch.”
As part of the preparation for this exhibition Anne-Marie worked with the visually impaired at the ‘Touch and See’ workshops at Bedford Arts and Crafts Centre at Raleigh House in Bedford. This provided a significant insight into how art can be ‘seen’ and created by the blind and visually impaired, with some of their work included in Anne-Marie’s exhibition.
Pieces on show range from a giant kaleidoscope, enabling visitors to look through and create their own unique patterns to a ‘Touch Me’ mystery box requiring the visitor to delve inside - if they dare. There is also work influenced by Braille as well as motion sensor triggered audio works. Visitors are encouraged to play musical vessels, smell ice cream and taste something yummy too.
The exhibition includes collaborations with local artists including; Carpenter: Tom Frost
3D Artist: Darren Tyrie
Sculptor: Jim Francis
Bakers: Sam Rose and Pavilion at the Park.
Anne-Marie says that everyone is welcome to the opening night on the 5 June 7.30pm – 9pm.
Following the exhibition some of the work will move to Bromham Mill to join a textile exhibition with ‘Demo Day’ on the 5 July after which, Anne-Marie will be holding sculptural felt making workshops at Arts and Crafts Centre on 20 June and 4 August, Bromham Mill 13 September and Retirement Education Centre on 7 November.
For more information on the exhibitions or workshops contact either Anne-Marie Stijelja: amstijelja@btinternet.com • Arts and Crafts Centre: www.bedfordcraftscentre.co.uk • Retirement Education Centre: www.recbedford.co.uk
