Designer/Maker Project at Oriel Wrecsam

While we live in a small town, we are lucky that we have a thriving arts and music scene. This has grown tremendously over the past few years, and we take full advantage. The kiddos get to go to lots of art workshops, poetry readings, gigs and exhibitions.

I was interested to attend the Press Launch of the Designer/Maker Project at Oriel Wrecsam last week. The Designer/Maker project is a collaboration of adults living with mental health difficulties to produce unique hand-printed ceramics to be sold in Oriel Wrecsam’s Shop.

The project is lead by artist, Rhi Moxon, who is working in association with Advance Brighter Futures, a mental health charity that is based in North Wales. The Designer/Maker project is a collaboration of adults living with mental health difficulties to produce unique hand-printed ceramics to be sold in Oriel Wrecsam’s Shop.

The ceramics that have been created are gorgeous. There is an earthy/folky feel to the illustrations and they blend perfectly with the choice of pieces – plates, spoons, bowls and tea-towels. The home-ness of the pieces and the colours and illustrations make a great combination.

It was interesting to find out a little behind the idea for the project. Aiming to give the participants not only somewhere to go and a project to immerse themselves in, but also to help them learn new skills and increase their confidence. They have been involved in every step of the project, from drawing the illustrations to actually collaging the transfers onto the handmade plates and spoons that had been made specially by Sarah Jane Harper.

While there have been many similar projects, I really loved that this one had a purpose – the designer/makers were not just attending art classes with no end product to show for their time. They have actually produced a whole range of products that will be on sale to the public – the funds of which will help fund the future of the Designer/Maker project.

My favourite pieces are these gorgeous modernised love spoons – the shape is perfect, and the colours and patterns are gorgeous. The range goes on sale on November 19th, at 2pm. If you’re local to Wrexham, then head down to Oriel Wrecsam and show your support.

D