Hello and welcome to Jelly

Jelly is an energetic charity championing the creative arts. We have played a strategic role in Reading’s cultural life since 1993 – enabling art to appear in unexpected places and creating opportunities for people to look on and join in. We believe in the power of the arts to delight, intrigue, challenge and enrich, and we’re committed to forming creative alliances and partnerships that encourage art and cultural life to flourish.

See below to book workshops and for more information about our events – we hope to see you soon.

Looking forward to 2019

January 29, 2019January 30, 2019Leave a comment

Every child is an artist … and there is plenty for adults too. For full details visit our booking page – we have a whole programme of workshops including new for 2019 Jelly Tots Story, Home Educators Art Club, After School Art School, Masterclasses and a Crit Club too.

Everyday we see the positive impact that art has on people’s lives.

This year our theme for a Open for Art is ‘The arts and wellbeing‘ and we invite artists, designers, makers and creators to submit ideas to take part in our 6th year of Open for Art – Sunday 30 June to Sunday 7 July 2019. Open for Art is a week long festival showcasing Reading’s arts, heritage, culture and creative industries. Want to see what we did last year? Look here

Deadline for submission Tuesday 5 February to enquiries@jelly.org.uk

ArtLine is back for 2019 and applications are open for Reading based visual artists to join this Art Street Market, that takes place in Broad Street East (the end of M&S and The Oracle main entrance). Launched in July 2018 by Reading Business Improvement District during Open for Art and followed by a second event on Sunday 27 November as part of the ‘Magical Reading’ Christmas events. For 2019, there will be 3 ArtLine Street Markets and applications are welcome by any visual artist. For further information, download the information pack here: ArtLine Application Form 2019

Lastly for 2019, watch this space for our soon to be launched Jelly Associate Artists Scheme. This will be a chance to join us as an associate artist and access the talks, one-to-one sessions and opportunities to apply for our selected exhibitions.

A very Jelly Christmas

November 8, 2018November 8, 2018Leave a comment

A Very Jelly Christmas

Festive workshops and events tailored for everyone from toddlers to adults. Whether you’d like something to do in your lunch hour, or fancy a longer indulgent workshop where you can learn a new skill, we have something for you.

So calling all crafters, knitters, artists, printmakers, stitchers and writers, come along and join us for a very Jelly Christmas

To book onto events and workshops, visit thejellyreading.eventbrite.co.uk. All workshops and events take place at Jelly, level 1. We have temporarily moved out of our ground floor space at Broad Street Mall while building works take place. For now you’ll find us upstairs in unit 119 – head towards the car park and it’s on the right.

Jellyfish lantern workshops

Create your own amazing lantern to carry in the Big Blue parade, using recycled materials.

After School Workshop, Wednesday 21 November 4 – 5pm

Pre-school Workshop, Friday 23 November 10.30 – 11.30am

Family Workshop, Saturday 24 November 3.30pm – 5pm

FREE, prebooking essential

Venue, Jelly, Broad Street Mall

Big Blue

Saturday 24 November 6-7pm

Join in with this spectacular event featuring a giant whale which will parade down Broad Street. Brought to you by Beautiful Creatures, creators of the Winter Giant, this glowing 10 metre-long giant of the sea will glide along amid stunning lights, dramatic drumming and the shimmering jellyfishes you have made.

Meet: outside Class Ohlson, 6pm

ArtLine street market

Sunday 25 November, 10.30am – 3.30pm

A special Christmas edition of this visual arts street market showcasing quality work created in Reading by local artists. Come and meet them, and find the perfect gift. Includes paintings, photography, drawings, limited edition prints and hanging textiles. ArtLine is brought to you by Reading Business Improvement District, in partnership with Jelly. For a full list of artists, visit: ArtLine Christmas Edition

Broad Street East

All workshops and events below take place in our space, Jelly, level 1, Broad Street Mall. You can book spaces here: thejellyreading.eventbrite.co.uk
Festive Baubles knit together

Monday 26 November, 11.30am – 2.30pm

We’ll help you to knit a bauble in the round. You will receive a special Festive Bauble kit to keep and workshop includes seasonal refreshments too.

£28

Festive Baubles knit together

Tuesday 27 November, 11.30 – 2.30pm.

We’ll help you to knit a bauble in the round. You will receive a special Festive Bauble kit to keep and workshop includes seasonal refreshments too.

£28

The Engine Room Drawing Session

Tuesday 27 November, 12 – 2pm.

Adult lunchtime drawing session, £5 for one hour, £8 for 2 hours plus includes all materials

Jelly Tots Christmas pre-school workshop

Wednesday 28 November, 10.30-11.30am

Explore painting, printing and collage with your tot

£4 per pre-schooler, accompanying adults free

Makers crafting workshop

Wednesday 28 November, 11.30am – 2.30pm.

Make a tree decorations, special card or your secret Santa gift. £5 for one hour, £8 for 2 hours 16yrs +

Makers Panel with the Outcasts

Wednesday 28 November, 6.15 – 7.45pm.

Three makers discuss their approaches, plus Q&A. There will be complimentary mulled wine or winter apple and ginger beer cocktail plus seasonal nibbles and plenty of Christmas cheer. Bring your Christmas knitting projects with you and join the Outcasts for a relaxed evening of knitting and chat in our jelly workshop space. There will also be a special yarn sale ideal for knitting last minute Christmas gifts.

Christmas print workshop

Thursday 29 November, 11.30am – 2.30pm.

Print your own wrapping paper and swing tags. £5 for one hour, £8 for 2 hours includes all materials. 16 yrs +

Stitch your Christmas wish

Thursday 29 November, 5.30pm – 7.30pm.

Make something to hang from your tree or window while enjoying a cup of mulled wine, post shopping or pre-going out, stitchery is for all.

£8 for 2 hours includes all materials

Winter Wonderland family workshop

Friday 30 November, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Have fun together making a winter-themed artwork. Adults go free with each paying child. £8 pre-school/ £10 for 5 years +

Christmas card lino printing workshop

Saturday 1 December, 10.30am -1 pm.

Make your own handprinted Christmas Cards. Includes a take home kit which includes the tools you will need to continue your new hobby at home. Ideal for beginners. 16+ years. £40 including kit and all materials, £20 if you bring you own materials

Papier Mache Angels

Saturday 1 December, 3pm – 4.30pm,

Make your own heavenly host. Family workshop. £6 for under 5’s, £7.50 for 5 plus, accompanying adults are free.

Christmas print workshop

Saturday 1 December November, 5.30pm – 7.30pm

Print your own wrapping paper and swing tags. £5 for one hour, £8 for 2 hours includes all materials. 16 yrs + Includes all materials and complimentary mulled wine or winter apple and ginger beer cocktail plus seasonal nibbles

Life Drawing

Sunday 2 December, 2pm – 4.30pm – a special Christmas themed untutored life drawing session. 16 yrs +. £5 for one hour, £8 for 2 hours

Emotional State Wreath Making

Sunday 2 December, 5.30pm – 7.30pm

Make a foraged, wild, beautiful, organic door wreath, guided by Emotional State artists. £60 includes all materials and complimentary mulled wine or winter apple and ginger beer cocktail plus seasonal nibbles. 16 yrs +

ArtLine, The Christmas Edition

November 2, 2018November 2, 2018Leave a comment

ArtLine street market

Sunday 25 November

10.30am–3.30pm

ArtLine is brought to you by Reading Business Improvement District, in partnership with Jelly.

Michael Garaway, Maiden Erlegh Weir 2

Linda Newcombe, House Washing Line

CwmIdwal,Gemma Cumming

Valentina Gonzalez Saez. Abstract

Kate Corder, Rose Bud

Zoe Brown, Abstract

Caroline Streatfield

Jim Pooley, Abstract

Matthew Potts

Things discarded 1 orange peel Anne Nolan

Towards the Golden Cap Clare Buchta

Natasha Samasuwo, Abstracts

Therese Lawlor

BLACK HEART, Alternative Illustration

Two Rivers Press

Participants and further information:

Emily Gillmor – www.rga-artists.org.uk/artist-gillmor-emily
Zoe Brown
Linda Fraser – lindanewcombe.com
Grace Lewis
Mary Phelan
Therese Lawlor – rga-artists.co.uk
Karen Spencer – karenspencerartist.co.uk
Caroline Streatfield – carolinestreatfield.co.uk
Valentina Gonzalez Saez – thoyd.com
Clare Buchta – clarebuchta.artweb.com
Jim Pooley – jimpooley.co.uk
BLACK HEART
Matthew Potts – matthewthomaspotts
Two Rivers Press – tworiverspress.com
The Engine Room – theengineroomsite.com
Gemma Cumming – gemmacumming.com
Anne Nolan – annenolan.photography
Yan Chong – kityanchong.co.uk
Squirrel Ink – Squirrel Ink
Michael Garaway – garaway.co.uk
Calina Lefter – calinalefter.com
Isobel Brimelow – isobelbrimelow.com

Rowena Perry

Katie Francis

Kate Corder – katecorder.net

Natasha Samasuwo – natashasamasuwo

Sun 25 November 10.30am – 3.30pm, Broad Street East

ArtLine is just one of many events delivered by Jelly. As recognition for our work, last year we were awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (The ‘MBE’). We aim to make everything we do free, accessible, and available to those restricted by social and economic reasons. Projects would not happen, nor would we reach as many people, without the support we receive. From businesses to individuals; volunteers to donations: every contribution matters. To support our work please get in touch. Email belong@jelly.org.uk, or visit jelly.org.uk/supporting-jelly

ArtLine is back for Christmas

September 26, 2018September 26, 2018Leave a comment

We had a fantastic summer, Autumn classes have started and now we are busy planning a feast of Christmas delights including the return of ArtLine.

*disclaimer – we can’t promise this weather in November*

ArtLine, Broad Street Art Market, Reading, Sunday 25 November 10.30am – 3.30pm

Following on from the inaugural event in the Summer, ArtLine returns for a Christmas edition, Sunday 25 November 10.30am – 3.30pm

Presented by Reading Business Improvement District with Jelly, this event aims to attract people to Reading and support the town centre economy while profiling Reading as a cultural destination supporting a strong artistic community.

Works exhibited will show a wide range of the quality work created in Reading. Work can be paintings, original photography, drawings, limited edition prints, hanging textiles (other artworks by agreement with the organisers). The event is not curated and artists must be selling and exhibiting their own work.

ArtLine will consist of a line of 3m x 3m gazebos stretching down Broad Street (with appropriate gaps for access as required) and within each gazebo, heras fencing on which artists can attach their work. Each gazebo will house 4 artists, two each side of the fencing – each pitch is 1.5m in length and 2m high. Floor space under the gazebo must be clear for the public to get close to the artwork, with the exception of a chair and browser by agreement with the organisers.

Footfall on Sundays in Broad Street is 65,000. The event will be managed by Jelly volunteers and the artist fee is subsidised to allow this to be as affordable as possible with no commission on sales.

The gazebo and fencing will be installed by the organisers and pitches allocated to artists. The organisers will also provide indemnity, trading licence for the event plus signage, promotional materials and artists lanyard.

Fee for taking part is £50 per artist. Maximum number of artists for this event is 44.

To take part, download the application form if you need a Word version please email suzanne@jelly.org.uk

Jelly Stories – Artists and Friendships

July 1, 2018Leave a comment

Justine Holt graduated in 1993 and her first exhibition in Reading was at the original Jelly venue, 35 Minster Street. She played a pivotal role as curator both at the corner of Broad Street (now Patisserie Valerie) and at The Oracle Riverside. Justine has written a piece about the importance of these friendships and the creativity that comes from being part of Jelly.

In the autumn of 1993 I returned to live in Reading after finishing a Fine Art degree in Canterbury. Several months later a friend from college told me about an artist led gallery that had opened up in Minster Street and suggested I should go and take a look. What I found was a unique and surprising space for Reading, it felt young, fresh and exciting and it had a buzz about it. Inside were quirky sculptures, contemporary paintings and studio ceramics, the art work seemed to be there because it was interesting and not necessarily with a commercial view in mind. The result of this alternative criteria was that art was being exhibited in the town centre that otherwise might not have made it into a more conventional space. On my first visit to the then named ‘Jelly Leg’d Chicken’ I didn’t get to meet Suzanne, but I did leave some slides of my work and a submission to exhibit.

Suzanne contacted me several days later and offered me space to show a selection of paintings. We first met when I delivered my work to the gallery, I remember that she was very positive and friendly, I now know this to be always true. I sold a large painting at the private view and found the whole experience both exciting and affirming, it gave me confidence in my work. Over the coming year we gradually became good friends and I started to volunteer at the gallery. Through my involvement with jelly I met many artists including Rebecca Swainston and Camilla Dowse, both of whom became and remain great and valued friends. This network of creative support was vital to me after leaving the creative environment of art college.

Working alongside Suzanne in the gallery, and knowing her as a friend, I know that she has a particular quality and ability to inspire others in their creativity. On a personal level, the confidence and belief she has in my work is invaluable and it always means a great deal. When she visits my studio, she quietly looks about and always has the grasp of what it is I might be trying to achieve. As a friend she knows and understands me very well and can verbalise what I’m trying to convey even when I cannot. All creatives need people not just to connect with, but with whom we can share our work, friends who affirm when you’re on the right track and steer you back when you’re not.

Being an artist can be a solitary business so connecting with people in a similar position is both a comfort and support. Having artist friends means sharing an understanding of how we spend our days and of critical visits to one another’s work space. It means encouragement, advice and spurring each other on. It can also mean commiserating through any disappointments or discouragements – but it also includes laughing together and helping each other through any despondency. The most valuable piece of advice I carry with me is this: if you are writer then you must write, if you are a painter then you must paint, the most important and the only thing you must do is to keep going and do your job.

Justine Holt, July 2018