Community art project celebrating Congleton’s heritage will give town icon new lease of life

By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 22nd Jan 2025

One of Congleton's iconic bears will be transformed as part of a community art project (Credit: Artisanity)
One of Congleton's iconic bears will be transformed as part of a community art project (Credit: Artisanity)

A community art project will help celebrate Congleton's heritage.

Artisanity, a community group supporting local makers and artists, has announced Lacing Together.

The event will take place alongside the popular Artisanity Spring Craft Fair Congleton Town Hall on Saturday, March 9, and aims to celebrate Beartown's lacemaking heritage.

As part of the festivities, residents and visitors are invited to take part in a collaborative lace-inspired artwork.

Each participant will contribute a small piece, guided by expert crafters, which will be combined into a public display, giving a new lease of life to one of the iconic Congleton Bears.

"This project is about more than just celebrating a craft," said Clare Watson, one of the Artisanity founders and a novice lacemaker herself.

"It's about creating connections.

"Through this event, we hope to bring people together, inspire creativity, and foster a sense of pride in the area's unique history as well as contemporary skills."

The event aims to celebrate Congleton's lacemaking heritage (Credit: Artisanity)

Lacing Together will also featured a curated exhibition featuring artwork from local creators interpreting the theme of lace.

There will also be displays and workshops as well as informational displays and examples of historic and contemporary work.

The Spring Craft Fair itself will feature around 30 local craftspeople showcasing handmade goods, craft demonstrations, and creative incentives to shop local.

All of the activities taking place are designed to be open to people of all ages and abilities.

Lacing Together and the Spring Craft Fair will take place at Congleton Town Hall (Credit: Artisanity)

Organisers are now looking for local artists to take part in the gallery, along with sponsors for the event and volunteers to assist with planning, setup and event-day activities.

Anyone looking to get involved can contact [email protected]

     

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