ARTS & CULTURE
X-operative Spell. Using a patchwork of images and sounds, it pieces together a compelling picture of Britain at the turn of the millennium, playing with the ideas of cryptic codes and repeating patterns. In this special screening, Adam will describe his intentions for the piece, in conversation with writer and critic Rob Young of The Wire magazine. Takes place 3-5pm. Then, on 14 December, catch
an afternoon of talks from 3pm to 5pm, featuring Rory Macbeth on The Wanderer by Franz Kafka and a live musical performance by Chris Evans (the other one…) and Will Holder. www.wysingartscentre.org
Images: Rozena Toscani
An exhibition about books, knowledge and how we learn what we know will decamp to Wysing Arts Centre in Bourn this month. X-Operative will see X Marks the Bökship setting up in the rural arts space for a part exhibition, part event series and part shop, serving artists and creatives in the area. Wysing also opens its doors to Adam Chodzko on 7 December for a talk and an exhibition on his project, Plan for a
Cambridge Edition goes….
lino printing With crafting all the rage, lots of us will be making our own cards (and even presents, if we’re feeling confident) this Christmas. Not only is it lovely to receive something that’s home-made, there’s great pleasure in making it, too, as we found out recently at a local craft workshop. Jean-Mary Myers runs Betty Makes – named after her nana, who taught her how to knit – from a small, sunny studio in Newmarket. She holds several classes each month, from crochet and sewing to lampshade making, with lots of Christmassy events coming up this month. I joined her first Christmas workshop, a lino printing class, and spent a hugely enjoyable day drawing, cutting and stamping at her big wooden table, surrounded by beautiful examples of her work for inspiration. The classes are sociable too: there were just four of us and we shared stories and ideas as we worked, then stopped for a home-made lunch of soup and mince pies, served on pretty vintage crockery, before continuing on with our creations.
I’ve always enjoyed art, but it’s not always easy to find the time or motivation to get out your paints or craft box and spend an afternoon just ‘making’. Here, however, you’re free to indulge your arty side, blissfully without distractions, and focus on nothing but the shape of a reindeer’s nose or how to mix the most Christmassy shade of red. Jean-Mary provides all the materials (unless stated otherwise, and you’re free to bring your own things too), and there are plenty of books to consult for inspiration, as well as the host herself, who’s always ready with a helpful comment or suggestion. It’s a wonderfully sociable and therapeutic way to spend an afternoon or evening, and I came away feeling like I’d been to a spa: inspired and relaxed – albeit with a little more paint on my hands. www.bettymakes.co.uk
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Coming up… 2 December: Lampshade making Bring some gorgeous fabric and learn how to turn it into a unique, professionally finished drum lampshade. (6.30-8.30pm; £35) 8 December: Lino printing Create your own lino stamp then set to work making cards and gift tags for Christmas. (11am-3pm; £28) 10 December: Craft & chat Bring whatever you’re making and join other crafters for tea, cake and a chat. (7-9.30pm; £2) The Betty Makes studio is located upstairs at The White Tara Health & Beauty Clinic, 7 All Saints Road, Newmarket CB8 8ES
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