At Mill Tye Gallery, supporting emerging artists has always been one of our core missions. This year, we're excited to launch another project in collaboration with the Art Department at Thomas Gainsborough School, led by textile artist and Brighton University graduate Eleanor Mills, with sponsorship from The Arts Society Stour Valley.
While the gallery has been closed for its Winter Break, we've been hard at work organising this unique partnership. The initiative centres on Eleanor Mills facilitating a series of hands-on workshops at Thomas Gainsborough School, sparking creativity among local students while simultaneously contributing to her upcoming exhibition, An Appliqué Afternoon, set to open this September. Thanks to the generous sponsorship from The Arts Society Stour Valley, all the materials for these workshops have been provided, making this an accessible and inspiring opportunity for students.
Eleanor Mills: Weaving Stories Through Textiles
Eleanor Mills is a talented textile artist whose work draws inspiration from her local surroundings and explores the rich interplay of fabric and storytelling. She has always been fascinated by the way textile fibres interact, and her goal for this project is to share that passion with the next generation of creatives.
The monthly art club at Thomas Gainsborough School provides students with an opportunity to explore textiles in a fun, relaxed environment. Eleanor’s vision is to incorporate the students’ work into a collaborative textile piece that will feature prominently in her exhibition. This gives students a tangible connection to the creative process and a sense of pride in seeing their work displayed in a professional gallery.
The First Workshop: A Tie-Dyeing Adventure
On Tuesday 21st January, Eleanor hosted the first art club session, focusing on the art of tie-dye. The students explored various techniques, including using elastic bands, buttons, and folding methods to create patterns on cotton squares. The workshop emphasised experimentation, with students encouraged to let their creativity flow and embrace the unpredictability of the process.
The moment of unveiling each tie-dyed creation—removing elastic bands to reveal vibrant, intricate patterns—was met with excitement and pride. The workshop proved to be a joyful, hands-on introduction to the possibilities of textiles, inspiring students to explore their artistic potential further.
Looking Ahead
Eleanor is already planning the next workshop, where students will continue to push their creative boundaries. Through these sessions, she hopes to show them that art is something to embrace, not fear, and that textiles offer endless possibilities for self-expression.
Eleanor’s dedication to fostering creativity among young people is a perfect example of the kind of work we aim to support at Mill Tye Gallery. This collaboration not only provides an incredible experience for local students but also showcases the power of art to bring people together.
We’re thrilled to invite you to Eleanor’s exhibition, An Appliqué Afternoon, opening this September. It’s an opportunity to see how these workshops have come to life in her work and to celebrate the creativity of our local community.
"Heartfelt Feedback from Talented Students: The tie-dye workshop with Eleanor Mills at Thomas Gainsborough School sparked creativity and joy among participants, as seen in their lovely handwritten comments. From experimenting with textiles to discovering new ways to express themselves, the students had a memorable experience that will inspire future sessions!"
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