This winter, Spike Island is hosting a series of free events for Age UK Bristol members, celebrating the art of painting and connecting with Bristol’s 50+ community. Visit Spike Island for a tour of artist Lucy Stein’s exhibition Wet Room on Wednesday 24 November 2021, 10–11am, and take part in an experimental painting at Windmill Hill City Farm, with painter and Spike Island studio holder Valda Jackson on Wednesday 15 December 2021, 10am–12pm

Wet Room is the first major solo exhibition in the UK by Cornwall-based artist Lucy Stein. Working primarily with painting and drawing, Stein’s exhibition is inspired by the fougou: narrow Neolithic underground passages unique to West Cornwall that lead to womb-like chambers and have become sacred sites of worship. The exhibition centers around an installation which includes a bathtub and sink with running taps, surrounded by tiled walls that have been hand-painted with scenes relating to the artist’s study of esoteric and mystic philosophy, and the rich local history of Cornwall.

The open and friendly exhibition tour will be led by the exhibition’s curator, Carmen Juliá, who will offer unique insights into Stein’s painting practice and how the exhibition came together. After the tour, join us for complimentary tea and cake in our café Emmeline, and chat about the exhibition with the Spike Island curatorial team.

Three weeks after the tour, Spike Island will facilitate a fun and experimental painting workshop led by multidisciplinary artist and painter Valda Jackson, inspired by Lucy Stein’s exhibition. Valda will use painting as a way to explore personal narratives with attendees, playing with colour, mark making and scale in a free and exploratory way. Inspired by Lucy Stein’s German expressionist influences, participants will be encouraged to have fun and experiment with layering paint and charcoal, expressing their emotions freely. All you’ll need to take part is enthusiasm, and a desire to try something new – no previous painting or drawing experience necessary! Join us to re-ignite your artistic passions, to try something new and to socialise with peers. All materials and some delicious refreshments will be provided.

To sign up for these free events you must be either an existing Age UK Bristol member, or aged 50+ and living in or around Bristol.

About the artists

Valda Jackson

Valda Jackson is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist working across painting, drawing, moving image and sculpture. Jackson creates complex narratives that reflect and question our past and present with intent on influencing our future. Jackson has lectured in painting and sculpture at the University of Central England, Birmingham, as well as various schools and colleges. Valda is currently a studio holder at Spike Island.

Lucy Stein

Lucy Stein (b. 1979) is based in St Just, Cornwall. She studied at The Glasgow School of Art, and later at De Ateliers, Amsterdam. Recent solo and two-person exhibitions include Thesmophoria (including the performance lecture Bride of Quiet), Galerie Gregor Staiger, Milan (2020); Digitalis Purpurea (a re-introspective), Conceptual Fine Arts , Milan (online) (2020); £10.66, Palette Terre, Paris (2018); Crying the Neck, NICC Brussels (with Nina Royle) (2017); On Celticity (organised with Paola Clerico), Rodeo Gallery, London (2016). Her work has been included in group exhibitions at Futura, Prague (2020); Bonington Gallery, Nottingham (2019); Tate St Ives (2018); TULCA festival, Galway; Newlyn Gallery, Penzance (all 2017); Le Bourgeoise, London (2016); UKS Oslo (2015). In 2017 she co-organised Fuck you wheres my Suger, a two-day festival on themes of depression and hysteria at Cafe Oto in London with Mark Harwood. In 2016 she co-curated NEO-PAGAN BITCH-WITCH! at Evelyn Yard, London with France-Lise McGurn and in 2015 she organised the performance event The Wise Wound with Tate St Ives and Porthmeor Studios. Between November 2019 and May 2022, Stein and Sarah Hartnett are undertaking a pilgrimage along the Mary ley line, which runs from Carn Les Boel in Cornwall to Hopton in Norfolk.

Age UK Bristol

Age UK Bristol works to improve the lives of older people in Bristol through a range of different services. The charity covers the City and County of Bristol, one of the largest cities in Britain and the largest conurbation in the South West. Age UK Bristol is an independent local charity, federated to Age UK (as a local partner) working together with and for older people locally, regionally and nationally. Age UK, as the national member, supports and works with local Age UKs, as well as providing leadership in areas like campaigning and policy.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bristol/