Barnsley Civic
GALLERY
Explore the vibrant world of Georgia O'Keeffe
Explore the vibrant world of Georgia O’Keeffe and Ailish Treanor at Barnsley Civic
Discover a journey through creativity and vision at Barnsley Civic’s latest exhibition featuring the works of Barnsley-based artist Ailish Treanor and Georgia O’Keeffe. Running from 15 September to 18 January 2025, this remarkable showcase celebrates the unique perspectives of two artists.
Georgia O’Keeffe’s iconic representations of nature and landscapes offer a contemplative exploration of beauty and simplicity. Her mastery of form and detail invites visitors to delve into the essence of her subjects, from delicate flowers to sweeping desert vistas.
In juxtaposition, Ailish, known for her dynamic abstract compositions, invites viewers into a world of vibrant energy and emotion. Inspired by Barnsley’s local landscape and the recent revitalisation of Eldon Street, Ailish bridges Barnsley’s architectural past with contemporary artistry.
This exhibition not only highlights the distinct styles of these two artists but also celebrates their shared commitment to pushing artistic boundaries as women and inspiring viewers. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply curious about exploring new perspectives, join us at Barnsley Civic to experience the richness and diversity of Ailish Treanor’s and Georgia O’Keeffe’s artistry.
Plan your visit today to immerse yourself in this extraordinary exhibition that promises to ignite your imagination and leave a lasting impression.
Georgia O’Keeffe: Memories of Drawings
Explore a remarkable collection of work by the pioneering American artist Georgia O’Keeffe at Barnsley Civic. This exhibition features 21 photogravures of drawings created by O’Keeffe between 1915-1963.
Renowned for her distinctive blend of abstraction and figuration, Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) remains one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century. Her iconic depictions of organic forms such as flowers and bones, surreal abstractions, rural landscapes, and urban cityscapes broke new ground for women artists, capturing the essence of her environment with unparalleled clarity.
Although primarily known as a painter, drawing played a pivotal role in O’Keeffe’s artistic expression. She used drawing as a language to convey pivotal moments and emotions, from the delicate curve of a flower petal to the vastness of a desert horizon or the intricate details of natural forms.
This exhibition showcases O’Keeffe’s distinctive style and explores the key themes and motifs in her practice. It includes nine prints of her earliest charcoal abstracts, as well as works originally executed in pencil and watercolour. These pieces capture a range of subjects, from intimate moments shared with her sister to surreal still lifes featuring seashells, banana flowers, and animal horns.
Accompanying the drawings are excerpts from O’Keeffe’s own commentary, offering insight into her artistic process and the inspirations behind her work.
This exhibition invites you to delve into the world of Georgia O’Keeffe, where each drawing tells a story of vision, emotion, and artistic innovation.
Explore Ailish Treanor’s dynamic art at Barnsley Civic
This year, as part of our on-going artist support programme, Barnsley-based artist Ailish Treanor is undertaking an artist residency a Barnsley Civic. The work that she produces during this residency will be shown in a new major solo exhibition, opening in the Autumn.
Ailish works mainly in sculpture, incorporating some painting and installation as well. Some of her recent projects include Tableau Retro, a solo exhibition at 87 Gallery in Hull and Kissing Gate, a public sculpture commissioned by Barnsley Council as part Love Barnsley Festival 2022.
During her residency at Barnsley Civic she has been focusing on learning new techniques, such as ‘Trompe-l’oeil’ (a French term which translates to ‘deceives the eye’) and other traditional decorative painting techniques. She has also been researching the work of Georgia O’Keeffe and her diaristic writings, various art historical periods as well as non-traditional art forms such as shop window displays and set-design. She has also taken inspiration from the recent regeneration work on Eldon street, watching the place evolve as the original marble fronted shop facades are excavated and restored.
The exhibition will look at how we can experience art as part of a lineage, rather than singular artistic ideas coming from one artist or ego. The work will explore a collectivist, non-hierarchical approach to art making, where many methods, materials and styles exist together, drawing on elements from different art historical periods and oscillating between fine art and design.
The exhibition opens on 14th September 2024 until 18th January 2025.
Barnsley Civic and Photoworks are very proud to showcase the work of the recipients of IN FRAME: The Barnsley Young Photographers Award 2024.
The Barnsley Young Photographers Award is committed to the development of artists aged up to 30 years old, living in, studying in, or working in Barnsley.
This year the award was split into three categories:
Emerging Professional – open to early career photographers up to the age of 30.
Student – open to those at college or university, aged 16 – 30.
School – in recognition of the recent emergence of the Photography GCSE, we celebrate the photography of young people aged between 11 – 16 in education, alternative provision, or home schooled.
The awarded artists are Millie Bentley, Molly Treanor, Ashton Knight, Jack Pearce, Mahala Christmas and Charlie Holt.
Sip and Sketch- Thurs 24 Oct, 7-9pm
Join us for a relaxed and informal evening of drawing, drinks and music in the gallery with our artist in residence, Ailish Treanor, surrounded by her current exhibition, Ulterior Motifs.
This event is the first of a series of casual sip and sketch sessions curated and guided by a visiting artist.
For our October session, Ailish will be curating the playlist and be on hand to chat more about her work and inspirations. You’re welcome to come and do your own thing, or try your hand at some drawing techniques inspired and guided by the artist herself.
Feel free to bring your own art supplies, however, all materials will be provided and all skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. The full bar service will be available and the first drink is on us!
About Ailish Treanor
As our current exhibiting artist, Ailish Treanor has recently completed her artist residency a Barnsley Civic. Ailish works mainly in sculpture, incorporating some painting and installation as well.
Book online here. £13.50
A Day in the Life of Georgia O’Keeffe with artist Lucy Dewsnap/ Bearsuit – Sat 26 October, 11am – 3pm
Live a day in Georgia O’Keeffe’s life in the New Mexico desert, here in Barnsley! Join artist Lucy Dewsnap who will expertly guide you through a relaxed and inspiring day of activities inspired by O’Keeffe’s own practice.
O’Keeffe often spent her days wandering the New Mexican landscape, finding inspiration in unexpected places. The day will include a guided tour of the Georgia O’Keeffe; Memories of Drawing exhibition, as well as explorative drawing and painting activities. At the end of the session you will come away with intimate knowledge of O’Keeffe’s way of working, as well as your own O’Keeffe inspired masterpieces.
Materials provided. All skill levels welcome.
Book online here. £13.50
Relaxing Sound Bath with House of May Wellbeing – Saturday 9 Nov, 10am – 1pm
Experience our gallery exhibitions in a completely new way. Immerser yourself in a guided, soothing sound bath. Designed to relax and restore your mind, body and soul.
A session dedicated to you. Leave the stress of daily life behind as you immerse yourself in a soothing sound bath, intentionally curated to relax and restore your body, mind and soul, surrounded by the Georgia O’Keefe exhibition.
Suitability – We advise against receiving sound healing if you are in your first trimester of pregnancy, epileptic, recovering from injury, have metal implants or face unmanaged mental health challenges.
Need to bring:
Yoga mats are not provided so please bring your own mats, blankets, cushions, eye masks or anything that will make this a comfortable experience for you. Please also bring water to stay hydrated.
About Maisie
Maisie is a CMA Accredited Sound Practitioner & Founder of House of May Wellbeing, based in Sheffield. Through sound healing and wellbeing events she creates safe spaces for seekers along their journey of self-discovery in the modern world. Combining the alchemical power of her acoustic singing voice and therapeutic instruments, Maisie specialises in creating immersive sonic experiences where your inner sanctuary is nourished and your unique expression is nurtured.
Maisie’s sound baths are a place for you to witness yourself fully, with love and compassion
Book online here £25.00
Elevate your photography game with Danni Maibaum – Saturday 16 November , 10am – 1pm
Are you ready to take your photography skills to the next level? Join our interactive workshop and learn the essential principles of lighting and composition.
What You’ll Learn:
- Identify key photography principles: Discover the fundamental rules that will transform your images.
- Analyse professional photography: Study successful examples to understand how these principles are applied in practice.
- Create stunning phone photos: Learn practical hacks and techniques to capture high-quality images with your smartphone
- Experiment with lighting and equipment: Explore different lighting setups and camera equipment to enhance your photography.
This workshop is designed for photographers of all levels and is highly recommended for makers, artists and small business owners.
Participants are encouraged to bring:
- The camera or smartphone they will use take pictures.
- Any equipment, editing or lighting tools that you own.
- Any examples of the look or aesthetic that you’re aspiring to.
About Danni Maibaum
Danni is a bold and artistic editorial, wedding, and lifestyle photographer originally from Barnsley and now based in Sheffield, UK.
With over a decade of experience, Danni’s passion for visual storytelling shines through in her bold and cinematic style. As a graduate of photography and former film and media lecturer, she brings a unique perspective to her work.
Book online here £25.00
Sip & Sketch Life Drawing – Thursday 28 November, 7pm – 9pm
Join us for another relaxed and informal evening of drawing, drinks and music in our gallery space.
The second in our sip and sketch series will be a life drawing session with live models and curated playlists.
Feel free to bring your own art supplies, however, all materials will be provided, and all skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. The full bar service will be available, and the first drink is on us!
Book online here £13.50
Festive Lino Printing with Megan Dobbyn – Saturday 30 November, 10am – 2pm.
Explore the process of lino block carving and printing to create your own festive gift wrap and cards to take away with you.
Join us for an immersive day of lino printing in this festive printing workshop. In this relaxed and exploratory session, you will learn the basics of lino block carving and printing with artist Megan Dobbyn who will also be on hand to help you with your designs. You will have the opportunity to print personalised wrapping paper and your very own unique Christmas cards to take home.
All the materials provided but feel free to bring along any reference pictures to aid with your design ideas.
About Megan Dobbyn
Megan Dobbyn is a freelance illustrator and printmaker living in Leeds.
Her work focuses on bold, colourful explorations into image making and the importance of human connection to the natural world around us.
As well as illustration she also organises and teaches various community art sessions.
She is interested in the way art can be taught to give people a voice and empower them to express themselves and fight for positive change.
Book online here £25.00n
Live Arts Cafe with Creative Recovery – Wednesday 4 December – 5.30pm – 8pm.
A soul-warming evening in the gallery of hands-on arts workshops, poetry, music and food.
Suitable for families.
Book online here FREE
Festive rag wreathes with Darn It! – Tuesday 10 December – 6pm – 8pm.
In this mindful and relaxed workshop you’ll get to make your own unique rag wreath using recycled materials, a wide range of fabric scraps, colourful rope, buttons and other things to choose from.
Materials, guidance and technical assistance are provided but everyone is encouraged to push their own creativity, and most of all have a good time!
All materials and a glass of mulled wine included – and of course you’ll take your own creation to take home and enjoy at the end!
About Darn It!
Darn It! Workshops is a uplifting travelling workshop company run by artist Kim Searle (BA Hons Textile Crafts). Sessions are based on encouraging sustainability and are run with a relaxed, informal and inclusive atmosphere, letting people go at their own pace.
Book online here £30.00
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