Semaphore Stories on Scilly - past event

Event: 11-12 May 2019

This was a lovely event on Scilly, presented by Mayes Creative as part of Create Scilly.

ARTiculate Artists, Imogen, Laura & Reg travelled to the Isles of Scilly over the weekend of May 10th to 13th 2019 to run colourful and creative weekend workshops as part of the Create Scilly events run by the Islands’ Partnership, and supported by Mayes Creative as part of their Lizard Beacons project.
‘Semaphore Stories’ gave locals and visitors the opportunity to
illustrate and share true stories around the theme of
communication and saving lives at sea around Scilly. We
unearthed some amazing, moving and entertaining maritime
stories which we shared with our participants. Using a simple
and effective method of heat dye transfer, participants illustrated
their chosen stories with coloured inks, creating amazing
images which were transferred onto polyester silk banners.
These banners were then fashioned into hanging lanterns
which formed the centrepiece for an evening of story sharing.
Although numbers were relatively low at 26 in total, the
participants we did have were very enthusiastic and generally
stayed for a very immersive experience - two families in
particular.
Technically, the artistic process went very well indeed and the
results were greatly admired by those who took part and by
locals and visitors who saw the work.

The story sharing was also very well received with people sharing
their local knowledge and personal memories of some of the key events alongside Reg and Laura. It felt like everyone learned something new about a story of rescue or communication and had a very positive time
in general.

Some of the artwork is now exhibited on St Mary’s above the
Library entrance, and the banners will all be kept for future use
at RNLI and community fundraising events.