SURFACE GALLERY

2012-01-20T16:14:00.004Z

TheInternational Postcard Show 2012

Open:25^th January – 11^thFebruary

Preview:24^th January6-8pm

SurfaceGallery is delighted to present the first exhibition of 2012 TheInternational Postcard Show. Curated by Surface Gallery, this long-standingannual exhibition features hundreds of original artworks connected solelyby their 4” x 6” format. The show brings together works by establishedpractitioners, students, new comers and international artists from as farafield as Europe and USA,with each individual postcard acting as a celebration of the diversity inpractice and location of the participating artists.

Following thesuccess of last year’s very first Surface Gallery artwork exchange, allparticipating artists have once again been given the opportunity to receive anoriginal artwork in exchange for their own following the completion of theshow. This unique aspect of the exhibition offers artists the chance to connectworldwide through a random and remote exchange system. These original artworksare also for sale throughout the exhibition, priced at just £15. This is anideal opportunity to discover up and coming artists and to buy some originalwork for an affordable price.

Before the days of emails, Facebook, andTwitter people would send postcards that time-travelled all over the world as away to 'keep in touch'. This year we are introducing an interesting interactiveaspect to the International Postcard Show as visitors, inspired by theexhibition, you can create your own personalised postcard at Surface Gallery.Come and write to loved ones, estranged friends, or your neighbours and getreconnected by the satisfying process of writing and sending a simple postcard

The International Postcard Show 2012: Call for Submissions

2011-12-14T14:54:00.000Z

The International Postcard Show 2012

Surface Gallery is delighted to announce that The International Postcard Show is returning in 2012, after thesuccess of the 2011 exhibition. We are inviting artists from across theglobe to take part in The International Postcard Show 2012 taking place from 25th January - 11th February 2012.

Artists are invited to submit up to three original pieces of artwork, to beexhibited alongside local, national, international, emerging and establishedartists. The artworks will be for sale throughout the exhibition pricedat £15 each and SurfaceGallery will take a 20% commission on any sold artwork.

This annual exhibition also provides artists with the unique opportunity totake part in an ‘InternationalPostcard Exchange’. Exhibitors can opt to have their postcardexchanged at random at the end of the exhibition and receive a limited editionartwork from a fellow artist.
In the case of ‘no sale’ and if opting out of the international exchange,all postcards will be returned to artists.

Please note:
• Artworks can be of any medium, but must fit the specified postcard size 4” x6” and with a maximum depth of 5mm.
• Artists can submit up to 3 postcards for the show at £5 each.
• We only accept unframed works.
• ALL Artworks submitted before the deadline will be exhibited.

Deadline for submissions is Sunday 15th January, 6pm (please account fordelivery time).
Please visit our website download an application form if you wouldlike to take part in the exhibition.

Please read all of the information carefully to ensure thatyour work fits the exhibition criteria and all requirements have been accountedfor.

AIR Insight Artist Talk

2011-10-29T16:42:00.002+01:00

Surface Gallery are excited and honoured to be hosting the first of a series of four AIR Insight talks, organised by a-n Magazine.
This event will take place on Wednesday 23rd November, 2011, 6pm – 8pm.

AIR Insight is a new programme of events from AIR designed as coherent structured professional practice for artists to access ‘inside information’ on how to engage and interact with the art world.

Each event looks systematically at how curators, funders, organisations, commissioners and exhibitions operate, so that you as an artist can maximise your potential, find jobs, get paid, locate and extend your networks, make good applications and proposals, thereby improving your artistic profile and sustaining your practice.

Guest speakers and facilitated discussions will give specialist insight into how you can enhance your career, sustain your practice and shed light some on the art-world.

Entry is free for artists and a-n subscribers, refreshments will be available.
http://www.air-artists.org
http://www.twitter.com/air_artists

EM11: Forged Attrition

2011-10-29T16:03:00.003+01:00

November 1st to November 19th 2011

Surface Gallery presents 'Forged Attrition’, an exhibition uniting the practices of five emerging artists; Callum Whitley, Ian Pink, Jai Clarke, John Hainsworth and Thomas Chase. Collectively exploring themes surrounding the psychology of space, deception and perception, 'Forged attrition' urges the viewer to re-question their expectations, whilst reflecting on the relationship between imaginary realities, real fictions, presence, absence and process. Encouraged to challenge, re-examine and develop their current creative practices, this exhibition presents the unexpected creative dialogues and exchanges which unfolded between the artists over the course of their 2 month residency, 'EM11 Platform', showcasing a selection of new works produced in the Surface Project Space.

We hope you would be able to attend the special event taking place during the exhibition;

‘Mischief Night’ 4^th November 6 – 8pm – a special evening reception to celebrate the exhibition, where you will have the opportunity to meet the artists and project organisers whilst viewing the exhibition alongside a collection of one off interventions and performances.

‘So what did you expect? EM11 Artists talking’ Saturday 12^th November – The artists will present a short series of talks sharing the ideas and influences behind their current practice alongside their experiences of graduating to taking part in the EM project. Visitors are also offered a warm brew and a tour of the exhibition and building.

West Bridgford School Exhibition

2011-09-29T14:35:00.007+01:00

Surface Gallery and West Bridgford School united to organise a creative exhibition celebrating the work of their Year 7 - Year 13 students, coordinated by Nikki Hart, Head of Art.

This was a great opportunity for the students to experience how a gallery is ran and to find out how exhibitions are setup.

The private view was a busy night with 150 proud parents and students visiting the gallery to view the work.

In particular the crowds gravitated to an ode to Pudsey Bear, which consisted of a bear with gold-coloured pins attached to it - not the safest of toys but a really eye-catching piece.

A varied mix of media including photography, acrylic paintings and sculptures, were closely guarded by a group of chickens made out of recycled materials by a Year 7 Students.

Comments from visitors:

'This is such a great opportunity for the students to show their work in a different setting!"

'I hope exhibitions like this continue, giving other schools the opportunity to showcase their students artwork'.

The West Bridgford School exhibition will run until Friday 30th September, 12 - 6pm

Doodle Wall 3, works

2011-07-27T17:52:00.003+01:00

Surface Gallery are working in conjuntion with the Castle and are currently hosting Salon des Refusés - housing a wide range of artwork submitted by artist within the city, and embracing the street art talents within the community.

Monday 27th July, was the third and final of the Surface Gallery ‘Doodle Wall’ events in the Long Gallery of Nottingham Castle, where Surface Gallery volunteers worked with children and parents to create a wall of creativity, expression, variety and free speech!

and all five walls:

Open Show reception

2011-07-18T15:00:00.001+01:00

The evening reception for the 2011 Open Show was held on 15th July. I was only able to be there for the first 30-40 minutes but it was getting pretty lively even then. The Open Show contains a really diverse range of work and this was the first time I'd had a chance to look at it. I sat in on the first of the selection meetings so knew that it'd be high quality since much of what we had to turn down even at that stage was pretty good. I missed the rest of the selection meetings and don't envy those who had to narrow the shortlist down to what we could actually fit in the gallery. I can certainly recommend anyone get to the show: it demonstrates the range of contemporary art in the UK.

I managed to take a few pictures before I left. Unfortunately, I obviously messed up the settings getting the camera out of my bag and didn't think to check (something I remind myself to do each time I screw up) them so the early pictures are dark and fuzzy. I just hope Matt got going with his camera after I left. Anyway, here's a selection. The rest are in a special Flickr set. The Flickr pics are reduced in size to max 1024 px so if anyone wants the original photo (unlikely, given the quality), let me know.

Again, apologies about the quality.

Surface Open Show 2011

2011-07-05T14:05:00.001+01:00

Open Show 2011 is Surface Gallery’s annual international open submissions exhibition. Heading into it’s 9th successful year the exhibition aims to investigate diverse contemporary art practice, providing a platform for today’s emerging and established artists. Open Show 2011 is selected and curated by the Surface Gallery curatorial team and one winning artist will be selected by a panel of established Nottingham based artists and curators.

The prize for the 2011 Open Show winner is a free solo exhibition at Surface Gallery in 2012 in collaboration with Surface Gallery.

12 – 30 July Exhibition
15 July Evening Reception
Winner announced
23 July Curatorial Tour and Talk

This year’s exhibiting artists are:
Alice Myers
Alicja Dobrucka
Andrew Carson
Anneliese Krueger
Daniel Peter Hughes
David Watkins
Dermot Punnett
Emma Sywyj
Irene Pérez Hernández
James Clarkson
Jonathan Kipps
Joseph Cutts
Joshua Uvieghara
Laura Green
Lee Sullivan
Leo Koivistoinen
Lyndsey Redford
Richard Devereux
Simone Koche
Tim Haynes
Ting-Tong Chang

Open Show 2011 is part of the Independent Arts Festival NOTLOST www.notlostfestival.co.uk

Open Show - Call For Submissions

2011-05-03T14:37:00.003+01:00

Open Show 2011 is Surface Gallery’s annual international open submissions exhibition, this year taking place from 12th – 30th July. Heading into its 9th successful year the exhibition aims to investigate diverse contemporary art practice, providing a platform for today’s emerging and established artists.

Submissions are welcome from artists working within any medium and there is the opportunity to submit up to 3 individual artworks to be considered for selection.

Open Show 2011 is selected and curated by the Surface Gallery curatorial team and one winning artist will be selected by a panel of established Nottingham based artists and curators. The prize for the 2011 Open Show winner is a free solo exhibition at Surface Gallery in 2012 in collaboration with Surface Gallery.

Submission Fee:

For each individual artwork submitted there is an entry fee of £8.50
(e.g. 1 artwork submitted = £8.50, 2 = £17.00, 3 = £25.50)
This fee is a non-refundable administration fee.
Submissions should be paid via the PayPal link on the Surface Gallery website.
Please contact Surface Gallery for alternative methods of payment if necessary.

Timetable:

3 June Deadline for Submissions
13 June Selected Artists Informed w/c 13th June
1 July Deadline for receiving Artwork
2 – 11 July Installation Period
12 – 30 July Exhibition
15 July Evening Reception
Open Show 2011 Winner announced
23 July Curatorial Tour and Talk

surfaceopenshow@gmail.com

Fluorescent Sheep

2011-04-30T14:56:00.001+01:00

Fluorescent Sheep

3rd - 14th May

Private View: 5th May 6-8pm
...Open Tues-Fri 12-6
Sat 11-5

Prone to fads and following the crowd, paradoxically often trying to break from the crowd in a quest for uniqueness, we stumble over clichés and lose authenticity.

Isolated and solitary, at the same time one of a mass of many, this exhibition speaks of the duality of developing contextual dialogues through cultural collaboration, recognising and investigating work that has gone before, whilst at the same time striving for independent creative expression and autonomy.

Surface Gallery is an arts organisation entirely run by volunteers and this year's annual in house exhibition provides a platform for the practice of its volunteers, seeking to explore the dichotomy that a crowd is a reduction of the sum of its parts and by working in a group you can lose your own identity.

In times of ever increasing government cutbacks to arts budgets and the oversaturation of art school graduates, how do young contemporary artists find a voice in the crowd and how can one group stand out from another?

Surface Shorts – Call for Submissions

2011-03-23T14:25:00.002Z

Surface Gallery are now seeking artists, filmmakers and creativities to submit short videos for an exhibition of moving image taking place in late April. Surface’s large gallery floor will be transformed into a screening space for a two-week exhibition exploring emerging talents in contemporary film, video art and animation.

The theme of the exhibition is open as we prepare to curate a diverse screening programme that explores the spectrum of the moving image medium. The only specification for submission is that films are no longer than 30minutes in length and are suitable to be shown on a large screen projection.

There is no fee to submit entries, however if your artwork is selected Surface Gallery will charge a £20 fee (10% discount for students) to take part in the exhibition. Selected pieces will be given dedicated slots within the daily screening programme.

Deadline for submissions is Monday 4^th April 6pm

For further information and to download an application form please visit our website: www.surfacegallery.org

Or contact us here:

surfacegallery@googlemail.com

0115 947 0793

Surface Summer Artist Residency 2011: “Site & Situ”

2011-03-23T13:15:00.000Z

We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for the first Solo Summer Artist Residency in the Surface Project Space.

This summer residency is an opportunity for an early–mid career Artist to make new work in situ and in response to the Surface Project Space over a period of 3 months. The selected artist will be working in Surface’s 4-storey building, based in Nottingham and which comprises of a volunteer office, the contemporary art gallery: Surface Gallery, the artist studio group: Surface Dwellers and the Project Space dedicated entirely to the artist-in-residence.

This residency is open to any practicing artist who is actively interested in developing new work in a new site. Applications are welcome from national and international artists. We would like the artist to be working in the residency space as often as possible, however we are unfortunately not able to offer or fund accommodation or travel for the artist.

For all enquiries please contact surfacegallery@gmail.com and include ‘Residency Enquiry’ in the subject title.

Residency Dates:

21st May – 21st August 2011

Further Details:

Application Deadline: 4.00pm Sunday 17th April
Shortlisted Applicants notified: Saturday 23rd April
Shortlisted Applicants Interviewed: Friday 6th May
Successful Applicant Informed: Saturday 7th May
Residency Begins: Saturday 21st May

2011-03-04T13:05:00.005Z

1%ers - Banality & Big Questions

February 18th to March 3rd 2011

Alan Binns made good use of the Surface space in curating the most recent show Banality & Big Questions. This show brought together diverse styles of artworks that placed together began to create a bizarre domestic setting. A horned chair, a lightswitch in a cigarrette tin and half a man watching some unusual youtube footage were some of the highlights of this exhibition.

2011-03-04T13:03:00.001Z

4 CAN + 2 =

February 8th to February 12th 2011

A show of collaborating forces, 4 CAN + 2 brings together the individual practises of four artists of the ‘CAN’ Studio Group – founder Marek Tobolewski and artists Billie Ireland, Pauline Woolley and IngeTong - as well as those of two independent artists, Louis Closs and Martin Lewis.

2011-03-04T12:41:00.003Z

The International Postcard Show 2011

January 18th to January 29th 2011

The annual postcard show featured hundreds of original artworks by a diverse selection of artists. Unrestricted by medium each piece is unique to the artistic sensibility of its creator, but at the same time connected to the group by its 6 x 4” postcard size limitation. Surface gallery was also featured on the BBC website, take a look!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/nottingham/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_9365000/9365651.stm

New to Surface: 'Talk Tea and a Tour' Programme

2010-11-01T17:16:00.001Z

Surface introduces the new Talk, Tea and a Tour programme, providing an opportunity to learn more about current exhibitions, artists’ work and individual influences. Talk, Tea and a Tour offers you the chance to meet and probe the artists and curators, followed by a rare and personal tour of the Gallery, Artist Studios and the newly renovated Project Space … and of course a refreshing cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake!

Each event will be distinctive, as the curators and artists make it their own; new flavours of tea are served in odd tea-cups; and the tour of Surface’s ever evolving space which continues to develop and change is not to be missed!

Talk, Tea and a Tour events at Surface this November:

Tuesday 2nd November 4.30-6.00pm: Terra-Incognita
Artists Emma Dexter and Kashif Nadim Chaudry will be discussing the influences and inspirations behind Terra Incognita, the first exhibition in Surface Project Space. The talk will be a conversation between the to artists with questions led by Surface Gallery and from members of the audience.

Saturday 6th November 2.00pm – 4.00pm: e.m.10 Graduate Exhibition
Curators of e.m.10: Continua discuss the selection process and curation of Surface Gallery’s annual graduate exhibition, and two artists discuss their new work and their experience of creating work outside of education.

NEW EXHIBITION 'e.m.10:Continua'

2010-10-19T15:41:00.002+01:00

e.m.10: continua

22^nd October - 12th November 2010

Preview: Saturday 23rd October 6-9pm

Surface Gallery presents its second annual East Midlands graduate show, e.m.10: Continua. The exhibition will showcase ambitious new artworks commissioned specifically for the exhibition comprising of sculpture, installation, moving image and painting, from six recent Fine Art graduates: Kyle Hands, Scott Illingworth, Jonathan Ryall, Calvin Sangster, Victoria Smith and Emily Warren. These new, fresh and talented artists have been selected by Surface Gallery from regional universities of arts students who graduated in 2010. Curated by Surface Gallery, Continua offers these recent arts graduates with an opportunity to work with an established and contemporary arts organisation with the aim of providing them with a platform from which to launch their professional practices and artistic career.

The Surface Gallery Curatorial Team have supported, advised and challenged these young artists every step of the way in order to achieve a dynamic and innovative project whilst supporting regional graduate talent. The six artists have been selected on their strengths and abilities to convey, reflect, and explore the contemporary arts movement. Surface urges the artists to move above and beyond the works presented at their degree shows; we see their development and potential as they move from graduates to young professionals in Continua.

The independent creation of the pieces exhibited find unconscious thematic and aesthetic links as broad commonality between the artists present themselves: materiality and consumption; the transformation of realities into the sublime and sinister; explorations of time, space and movement; and the processes of artistic practice.

Surface Gallery has been significantly transformed with the removal of the partitioned walls which expands the gallery into one large, dynamic, and flexible exhibition space. e.m.10: Continua is the first exhibition to be held in the newly regenerated Surface Gallery.

The preview of the exhibition will be held on Saturday 23rd October 6-9pm, where you will be able to view the work and meet participating artists.

For this exhibition, Surface is launching a new education programme beginning with the Talk, Tea and a Tour event, in which Curators and Artists present a review of the exhibition, the work and individual influences. This will be followed by a refreshing cuppa and a tour of Surface, including Artist Studios and the newly renovated Project Space housing resident artists.

Preview: Saturday 23^rd October 6-9pm

Talk, Tea and a Tour: Saturday 6^th November 2 – 4pm

NEW EXHIBITION 'Terra Incognita'

2010-10-19T15:39:00.000+01:00

Terra Incognita

Emma Dexter and Kashif Nadim Chaudry

Surface Project Space

22nd October – 12th November

Private view 23rd October 6 – 9pm

Surface Gallery invites international artist Emma Dexter and 2008 and New Art Exchange, Nottingham Castle Open winner Kashif Nadim Chaudry to install work responding directly to its newly renovated Project Space. ‘Terra Incognita’ which translates as ‘Unknown Ground’ explores transcending cultural barriers and subterranean themes as well as uncanny humour, desire, sensuality and identity. Elements of constructed realities and their potential to unravel are latent in the contributions of both artists.

Emma Dexter’s influences are a mixture of surrealism and issues surrounding today’s social culture. Her work is also autobiographical and informed by her obsession to translate the world around her. She recently returned from a residency located in the jungle, Las Pozas, Mexico. Emma’s unique relationship with Las Pozas has had a profound influence on how she sets about and articulates her more recent work and this is evident in ‘Terra Incognita’. For this exhibition Emma will be installing conceptually challenging sculptures with the subtext of cross - referencing between them. Questioning ideas on mortality, global disarray, decadence, perspective and identity. The pieces in this exhibition are colour associated, personified and will impose on the senses.

For ‘Terra Incognita’, Kashi Nadim Chaudry will make a new sculptural installation entitled ‘Harem’. On a conceptual level he deals with the death of desire and an exploration of his own transgressive sexuality as a gay man. From a pile of fabric, meticulously arranged in a kaleidoscope of colours, an arrangement of six ghostly figures slowly emerge, revealing their cloth covered corpses in all their anatomical detail. Desire has never been so tangible.

‘Terra Incognita’ opens 22nd October 2010. Surface Gallery welcomes all to come and explore these investigative and exciting art works. Opening hours are Tuesday – Friday 12pm- 6pm and Saturday 11am- 5pm.

Project 29 "Surface"

2010-10-01T16:58:00.002+01:00

Project 29 is an exhibition featuring three artists (Carl Slater, Sally Angela Davies and David Ashton Hill)

The exhibition examines site specificity not exclusively as a genre but as a problem idea, as a peculiar inquiry of art and spacial politics that theorises the re-configorations of location. Combining art and site with the possibilities of intimacy through absence, distance and raptures of time and place - here the focus is a site that travels between two points of reference. It is a part of the River Trent that wends its way between Gunthorpe and Trent Bridge and the journey from there to a gallery space. The work intends to engage with site orientated study and the process at which ideas, objects and materials are gathered from one into the other, theorising the transformation point between the subject/object and the location through post modern conditions.

There will be an Artists Talk on Wednesday 6th October 2010, at 7pm

Project29 Artist & Organisation Talk

2010-09-23T14:08:00.004+01:00

Surface Gallery are hosting an artist & organisation talk in correspondence with their latest exhibition Project29 on Wednesday 6th October 2010 at 7pm.

I am Solitary, I am an Army

2010-09-09T13:21:00.007+01:00

Beers.Lambert Contemporary Art and Surface Gallery present the exhibition I Am Solitary I Am An Army, featuring 20 emerging, international young artists from over 13 countries worldwide, including; Turkey, Israel, Malaysia, Greece, Australia, South Africa, Canada, the US, and the UK.

Each selected artist explores concepts of the individual in a world typified by conflict, disillusionment, and change. Each considers the exploration and formation of identity as a process and a dialogue between subject and self. Through related but distinct methods, the solitary individual is considered a facinating, prevailing and infinate source of inspiration.

This is the Solitary Voice, This is the army of the individual

The exhibition is on from 31st August - 11th September 2010

for more information http://www.beerslambert.com

Open Show 2010 Private Viewing

2010-07-23T00:41:00.012+01:00

On the 19th of July 2010, We had the Private Viewing of the Surface Gallery Open Show 2010. Many people came to the private viewing, approximately 115 people. The winner of the Open show was announced.

The winner of this years show is Janet Morrow with her sculptural installation 'Monstruous Birth' who shall be having a solo show in 2011.

Well Done Janet and congratulations to you, and well done for all the applicants who participated in the show.

Artists Selected for Open Show 2010

2010-07-10T14:41:00.003+01:00

We have selected the entries for the Open show 2010, at the Surface Gallery

There were some very interesting and diverse pieces submitted for the Open Show, and we'd like to thank everyone who submitted, and congratulations to those who were selected.

Open Show 2010

20th July-7th August
Private View: Monday 19th July 6-9pm

Surface Gallery presents Open Show 2010 which this year will be held between 20th July
and 7th August 2010.

This exciting annual exhibition once again explores new creative avenues and encourages unique and experimental work. Open Show provides up and coming artists with the opportunity to enter and compete in an international open call out exhibition, and acts as a platform for showcasing individual art pieces non basis of artists background and previous achievements.

This year the Surface Gallery curatorial team have selected over 30 art pieces from 27 different artists and collectives out of hundreds of entries. This ambitiously curated selection aims to be a diverse and exciting overview of current contemporary art exploring a multitude of practises, styles and mediums. The exhibition finalists include local artists,recent graduates and emerging artists from across Britain and as far and wide as the USA.

SURFACE OPEN SHOW - CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS!

2010-05-08T14:34:00.002+01:00

Deadline for applications: 1st July 6pm

For more information and to download an application form visit Surface Gallery website Opportunities page: www.surfacegallery.org/index.php/opportunities/

Surface Craft Fair!

2010-05-08T12:54:00.004+01:00

Surface Gallery is hosting its second Arts and Crafts Fair on the 15th and 16th of May, featuring NEW TRADERS and SPECIAL EVENTS WORKSHOPS! Come and learn the art of Jewellery Making, Pottery Throwing, Handmade Paper Forming, Sushi Rolling and Salsa Dancing!

Browse the stalls to to find one-off art works, hand-made craft wares (jewellery pieces, digital art works, ceramics, etc) and home-made cakes. There will be works from a variety of independent artists and designers. This is a perfect day out for all the family, with something to suit every age, taste and interest. It's also a great opportunity to find unique gifts!

The fair will be open all day on Saturday and Sunday. Refreshments will be provided for visitors and parking is available on surrounding streets. Surface Gallery is located behind the Ice Arena, just off Huntingdon Street, next to the Old Drum Centre and opposite Pretty Windows Day Nursery

Here are some examples of STALLS-

Origami jewellery: http://www.satoskosorigamijewellry.com Household accessories made from recycled materials: http://www.jazmat.co.uk Handmade mugs and ceramics: http://www.thehandmademugcompany.blogspot.com Beaded jewellery: http://www.johnnydogg.co.uk Crafty gifts, kits and jewellery: http://www.bettyching.co.uk A variety of eclectic jewellery; something for everyone: http://www.eclectic-collective.com/ Silver jewellery: http://www.antoniabooker.co.uk Fun jewellery, hair accessories, purses, art canvas & prints. http://www.stitchesandstars.com/

Hooray! Arts and Crafts Fair this weekend!

2010-04-28T21:37:00.006+01:00

Surface Gallery are very excited about the Arts and Crafts Fair which is taking place at the gallery this weekend! You can expect a whole range of lovely crafty wares including; delicious home made cupcakes, a variety of jewellery, digital artwork, hand made mugs, pretty objects and accessories, to name but a few. We hope you can pop in on Saturday or Sunday between 10 - 5pm, perfect for sourcing an original gift or for a spot of shopping on a lovely May bank holiday weekend!

Visit our Facebook event page here.

Arts and Crafts Fair 1st&2nd May

2010-04-24T16:27:00.002+01:00

We still have spaces available for traders who want to exhibit there wares at our arts and crafts fair on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd May. If you're interested simply fill out an application form (available on our website). Stalls cost £20 for the whole weekend - bargain! And to the rest, we hope to see you there!!

Laura Taylor's Speedboat and Matchsticks

2010-04-10T13:59:00.002+01:00

We are delighted here at Surface Gallery to say that Laura Taylor has extended her current exhibition ' Speedboat and Matchsticks' until the 15th of April. We are also very excited as this extension will include an artist talk on the 15th of April at 8pm. This is an excellent last opportunity to view the artists work and also to hear more about the exhibition, and the artists ideas, influences and background.

Laura Taylor: Speedboat Matchsticks

2010-03-27T17:28:00.013Z

This exhibituion comes from the playful mind of Laura Taylor following her win at the Open Show last year. Find a review on culture24 here

If you missed our opening last night (images below) or if you're just curious of all the arty goings on in Sneinton then be sure to come to the Artnot: Lates Event on the 15th April to view the work on a special viewing and visit other Art Organisations in the area

Post and Photos by Iain Chatburn

Surface Flyer

2010-03-27T17:22:00.001Z

Spring Arts and Crafts Fair

2010-03-27T15:11:00.000Z

Spring Arts and Crafts Fair 2010
1st - 2nd May & 15th - 16th May, 10am – 5pm
Deadline for applications: one week before each event

Surface Gallery is holding two Arts & Crafts Fairs on Saturday 1st – Sunday 2nd May and Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th May. They will be held in our gallery situated opposite Sneinton Market in the centre of Nottingham. A brilliant place to sell anything handmade, from original artworks and crafts to homemade cakes and ethically sourced products. The more eclectic the better!

Each 2m x 1m pitch will cost £20 per pitch, per weekend. Tables are available for hire at £10 per weekend.

For more information and to download an application form visit our website: www.surfacegallery.org , or contact as:

Email: surfacegallery@googlemail.com
Phone: 0115 947 0793

Mine The Mountain

2010-03-16T17:41:00.000Z

Our latest exhibition from Nicholas Hedges has been voted a must-see for this month

Find the full review here

Ends this Friday 19th, don't miss out.

The perfection of the iMperfect

2010-03-03T12:34:00.000Z

Laura Taylor: Speedboat Matchsticks

2010-02-20T16:43:00.001Z

Laura Taylor returns to Surface Gallery to exhibit a solo body of work after her success at last year’s Open Show 2009, which saw Laura achieve prize-winner status with her innovative mixed-media installation Something That Produces Results, Kulit (2008).

The exhibition Speedboat Matchsticks derives from experiment, play and the relationship between form and function. The work is characterised by loose and chaotic assemblages of motorised scrap, dismembered toys, daubed paint and hanging string. Functional objects are combined to become functionless (whilst still functioning). These constructed mechanisms are composed in the style of ‘over engineered apparatus’, retaining a continuous rule to engage and amuse, rather than to fulfil a purpose. The juxtaposition of colour flickers, pulsates and moves, encouraging the viewer’s visual tension.

Laura Taylor's work flirts between opposites: order and chaos, work and leisure, the everyday and the sublime. Each construction speaks of optimism, whilst simultaneously poking fun at the inevitability of failure;

“When spun, when dropped, when pulled, when squeezed, when burnt, when frozen, when bent, when twisted, when blown, when snapped, when bounced, when cracked, when shattered, when ruptured, when split, when smashed, when pushed, when yanked, when hit, when spoiled, when dented, when scratched, when rolled, when turned, when broken…….”

‘The Observation of Objects’ 2008. L.K Taylor

The Opening Night will be held on Friday 26th March, between 6-8pm. This will be a great chance to view the work for the first time and meet the artist.

Measure and Purpose: Glimpses from the Private View

2010-02-13T14:19:00.000Z

'Measure and Purpose' is an intriguing exhibition of instillation style art. The display draws strength from an exploration of scientific method and the mental processes humans go through to integrate with nature. Once entering the darkened gallery space, the work seems to draw the viewer in for closer inspection. The choice to dim the lighting works well with the concepts of the exhibition and adds intrigue, focusing attention on the work.

The exhibition successfully combines a variety of media such as ceramics, paintings and technical instillations.

Presented in varying scales, the work draws the viewer around the space. It is also nice to see the use of light boxes as presentation units in the floor space. Kate Bridgen and Pippa Gatty's work is thought provoking and presents their personal journey. The viewer can connect with the artwork, leaving a lasting impression.

Hannah King

Measure and Purpose

2010-02-03T12:30:00.000Z

Measure and Purpose

Pippa Gatty, Kate Brigden

9^th - 13^th February 2010

Private View: Monday 8th February 6 - 8pm

‘Measure and Purpose' is an exhibition engaging with ideas of exploration, pseudo-scientific study and the drive to explore and to explain. Yi-Fu Tuan in Topophilia explains ‘the artificial environment they [humans] have built is an outcome of mental processes- similarly, myths, legends, taxonomies, and science. All these achievements may be seen as cocoons that humans have wove in order to feel more at home in nature.’ (Tuan, P.13) Both Gatty and Brigden’s work draws reference from scientific method. There is a need to map, measure, and to de-mystify, but it is where these techniques fail to fully quantify that creates a platform on which the work is made.

Kate Brigden’s practise is a synthesis of two conflicting attitudes to viewing the world, from a scientific, taxonomical approach, where everything has to be explained and ordered, and from a phenomenological approach where the world is viewed as a ‘continuous,’ unfolding and animate.

Factual and imagined stories of discovery and exploration is the foundation to Pippa Gatty’s work, drawing parallels between her quest as an artist and what drives her with that of an adventurer and explorer. The role of theatre, and the act of pretending and believing is addressed within the work; which engages a suspension of disbelief and a documentary aesthetic.

Kate Brigden (b. 1982, London) studied BA Fine Art at Winchester School of Art and then completed her MA at Chelsea College of Art and Design in 2008.

Pippa Gatty (b. 1965, London) completed her MA Fine Art at Chelsea College of Art and Design in 2008.

Exhibition: Last Orders at the Bar: The Demise of the Great British Pub

2009-12-12T14:34:00.000Z

Just because something is broken doesn't mean it is not beautiful.

The pub is a symbol of Britain. It provides us with a sense of pride, of community and best of all a welcoming place in which to enjoy a pint. The series “Last Orders at the Bar” documents the loss of the traditional British pub. Each image presents us with a once thriving hub of the community, now empty and alone. Whether nestled within a busy street, or hidden away within a forgotten rural setting; amongst the demolition and dereliction lays architectural gems sodden with memories of times passed. Each image pertains to a lost charm ravaged by twenty first century life.

These photographs act not as an obituary for the British public house, but a petition against their decline and a testament to a different era.

Private view: Friday 15th Jan 6pm-9pm

Open to public:

Saturday 16th Jan – 30th Jan, 10am-5pm

16 Southwell Road,
Nottingham
NG1 1DL
Tel: 0115 947 0793
Mob: 0790 591 3269
Mail: surfacegallery@googlemail.com

The Postcard Show

2009-12-10T22:01:00.000Z

The Postcard Show

An eclectic, engaging and exciting mix of work linked only by their size!

Post Card Show 2009

2009-12-08T15:15:00.000Z

Our annual Post Card Show is now on and runs until the 18th of December. Thanks to everyone that sent in their work, opening all the entries was like Christmas coming early!

The Post Card Show is always a popular exhibition and this years works are incredibly varied and unique. It's great to see everyone's personal interpretations shining through the fixed 6x4 inch postcard size format. This show is a good opportunity to pick up a thoughtful Christmas gift for a reasonable £20 each!

Post and photos by Iain

Waiting Room

2009-11-27T10:05:00.001Z

Waiting Room

The exhibition ‘Waiting Room’ brings together a set of creative artists who share the mutual aim of experimenting with interactive and participatory practices in art.

Waiting Room promises to stimulate the viewer with its array of artistic practice including sculpture and installation; designed to evoke viewer interaction in a multitude of ways. Viewers will be encouraged to interact with some of the works; yet other times, may find themselves being dictated by the work itself. Whatever the scenario, you will be taken through a world of media as the artists attempt to tap into your consciousness.

Part 1 Photographs

2009-11-19T08:13:00.000Z

Part 1 - An exhibition by newly formed studio group Sixes and Sevens

Article about Surface Gallery

2009-11-14T14:24:00.000Z

From its humble beginnings as Turtle Arts in 1999, Surface Gallery has evolved from a graduate’s enterprise into a sophisticated and key arts hub in Nottingham. Having relocated in December 2008, from its founding base in the Nottingham Voluntary Action Centre, to its current location of 16 Southwell Road, it has been given an excellent opportunity to expand and develop. As 2008 volunteer Gemma Smith comments, “It has shown me what shared enthusiasm and passion for the arts can attain and sustain.” This is because from its origins Surface Gallery has always had a relaxed approach and has become a meeting place for artists and art students. Its vision is to create an exhibition space where emerging artists can showcase their work without limits; as well as giving the opportunity to volunteers to be involved in all aspects of running an art gallery. Genelva Patterson-Meikle, who currently volunteers, finds that “The gallery has influenced me creatively and has allowed me to make many decisions about what I aim to accomplish in the future in terms of my career.” The gallery allows volunteers to make connections and gain experience in a field that is notoriously difficult to gain employment whilst striving towards a professional approach to the running of the Gallery.

The overall aim of Surface Gallery is to support the professional development of early and mid-career artists, curators and people wishing to work in the arts. This can be seen through its current exhibition ‘Ten Years of Surface...’ The exhibition celebrates and explores the history, present and future of the gallery as a volunteer-run arts organisation, whilst giving both past and current volunteers the opportunity to exhibit work in this unique show. Coming from a broad range of backgrounds it showcases a diverse and exciting selection of contemporary art practice that has contributed to, and developed, as part of the growing vibrant Nottingham arts scene. The success of Surface Gallery has been inspirational to some of its volunteers, who have gone on to exhibit in and curate exhibitions throughout the UK, work at the Tate Modern and V&A Museum and even establish their own creative businesses. The main focus of the exhibition is to celebrate the individuals who have contributed to the success of the Gallery over the past 10 years, as well as acting as a reflection upon how the experience of volunteering at Surface Gallery has influenced and made an impact on their future career paths.

By Adwoa Baah, current volunteer at Surface Gallery

10 Years of Surface...

2009-10-21T12:18:00.000+01:00

...will be on until the 29th October 2009.

Surface Gallery Celebrates it's 10th Birthday!

2009-10-18T17:37:00.000+01:00

On Friday the 9th October Surface Gallery opened it's doors for a very special Private View. 10 Years of Surface is an exhibition which celebrates the gallery's past, present and future. Volunteers from the past 10 years were invited to make work for the gallery space, and in the foyer the gallery's history, and volunteer involvement was explored via the volunteer project 'Surface Cartography'. The celebrations were topped off by a DJ set, cocktails, and sushi! Below are some pictures of the evening and the artwork that's on display during the exhibition.

10 Years of Surface will be on until 25th October.

Rachel

East Midlands Finest 2009

2009-08-29T11:16:00.000+01:00

Abi Benford
‘Untitled’, 2009
University of Loughborough, Fine Art BA Hons

The actual materiality and process of making a painting is a key aspect to Abi Benford’s work. Inspired by geometric patterns she uses a variety of mediums to explore the contrasting elements of depth, flatness, and texture within painting. She uses paint in a way not to represent reality, but to emphasise the contrasting qualities of the medium itself. Moving even further away from traditional painting in recent works Abi has began to explore painting as an installation, escaping the confines of the frame. She investigates the impact of the viewer’s relationship to the work via properties of scale, physical presence and intimacy. For this exhibition Abi has made a new painting installation that is site specific to the gallery’s foyer area.

Joanna John
‘Dwell’, 2009
University of Derby, Fine Art BA Hons

Joanna John’s art explores the theme of the built environment; what human kind has done and continues to do to make its mark on the plant. The disturbing yet fascinating mega-development happenings in places like China and the Middle East have provided inspiration; the idea that whilst the strain on the world’s resources reaches breaking point, nations strive to build bigger, better, higher. This extreme construction and consumerism has informed her art and choice of materials, developing a commitment to using found or recycled objects. Working in 3D Joanna creates sculpture that endeavour to take the mundane and everyday objects that are often overlooked and turn them into something with renewed visual interest and strong formal qualities. It is through this practice which Joanna has created a site-specific installation for Surface Gallery.

Neil Dixon
‘No Place’, 2009
Nottingham Trent University, Fine Art BA Hons

Neil Dixon’s large-scale growing sculptures develop from 2D drawing on paper into 3D drawings with wood. Imagination, fiction, and narrative inform Neil’s work as he aims to explore how an empty space can be transformed into the illusion of a different place. Working without a strict plan Neil allows the work to take shape and a narrative to develop which determines the end result. For this exhibition Neil has created a new sculpture in the gallery made predominately from old palettes and scraps of wood, which explores contrasts between reality and illusion, and the gigantic and the miniature.

Benjamin Cohen
‘Oumah’, 2009
University of Loughborough, Fine Art BA Hons

Benjamin Cohen’s practice is predominantly based around the human figure. His paintings spark from the realness and intensity of the sensation experienced from the subject’s presence. The methodology and the language of the paint is integral to the emergence of the image. Unable to pin point an exact explanation and logical reasoning for his work. Benjamin feels that the justification can be found in the painting themselves. With the paint it is itself like a language, it takes on its own life and creates a unique expression which cannot be put into words. For this exhibition Surface Gallery have selected ‘Oumah’, a painting Benjamin exhibited at his Degree Show exact explanation and logical reasoning for his work Benjamin feels that the justification can be found in the Exhibition.

Charlotte Ratcliffe
‘Untitled’, 2009 and ‘Untitled 2’, 2009
University of Loughborough, BA Hons Fine Art

Charlotte Ratcliffe paints in a unique manner that seems to capture the growing attention to new hybrid cultures and places in the contemporary world. She explores the idea of the ‘in-between’ space or ‘non-place’, the expanding regions not belonging to any one subject, but positioned in the fringe connecting the two. Her paintings verge on the edge of fantasy and reality, uniting elements of the organic and artificial. Charlotte uses both traditional and contemporary painting methods, incorporating areas of representation and heavy abstraction into the paintings. Yet retaining a sense of place and structure, she creates a play between the flatness and the 3D. For this exhibition Surface Gallery have selected two paintings from Charlotte’s Degree show collection.

Bobby Goulding
‘Untitled’, 2009
Nottingham Trent University, Photography BA Hons

Bobby Goulding’s work concerns the human race’s modern connection with spirituality. Mournful, sometimes cynical, yet always a brooding optimism, showing a belief in the power of the human mind. For this exhibition Bobby has created a site specific installation in the gallery space.

Andrew Martyn Sugars
‘Monument’, 2009
University of Derby, BA Hons Fine Art

Andrew Martyn Sugars work stems from a personal journey of evolution and development into the contemporary art world. Driven by research and personal investigation Andrew aims to attempt ‘action’. For this exhibition Andrew presents Monument (2009) in the form of sculptural new media. The action was seen first in an experimental film aesthetic of evolution, which was inspired by the notion of peak oil. In the journey since the film, the action became centred on a man made puddle in a man made environment. Monument fuses these two actions together, and presents the journey of the idea itself.

Alex Mazziteli
‘The Mental Image of a Past Cycled Experience’, 2009
D Montfort University, BA Hons Fine Art

Alex Mazzieteli’s surreal sculptures are created from an assemblage of found everyday objects. Deemed as ‘useless’ objects Alex brings these unwanted things back to life, during a laborious selection process the chosen objects somehow fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. His installations are ambiguous, which allows the pieces to speak for themselves provoking a sense of wonder, imagination, and narrative in the viewer. For this exhibition Alex presents ‘The Mental image of a past cycled experience’, a sculpture made during this year and exhibited at his Degree Show.

Rachel

Not so much crying..

2009-08-20T10:58:00.000+01:00

..but cleaning in the rain!

We're busy preparing for the East Midlands Finest here at the Gallery, and part of it always includes the housekeeping stuff. Hence why my good self has been sorting out the rear area and started on cleaning of the shed. In practice the latter means wiping away cobwebs and hoping that none of those pesky spiders responsible land on my head..
The plan is that if the weather is going to be nice, we can have the bar area for the privatwe view outdoors so we can enjoy both some art and the weather.
Too bad that it has now started to drizzle down. Fingers crossed it will pass and in 24 hours' time we will have some sunshine to last us all day!

As always, I am writing the blog in the office area, and upstairs is filled with noise - hammering, the Smiths playing, talk. It's all action as per usual, and it's looking pretty good already. Hope to see you here!

-Jo-

Almost East Midlands Finest!

2009-08-19T14:04:00.001+01:00

There are only two more days until the opening of our East Midland’s Finest exhibition. There is an exciting vibe within the gallery, as Jo John, Neil Dixon, Alex Mazzitelli, and Andrew Martyn Sugars.are setting up their installation works. Jo is upon a ladder hanging globes from the ceiling, Neil continues to build his tall abstract grid structure supported by wood pallet, and Alex is constructing a surreal piece through giving second-hand objects an unusual function. To discover more, be sure to come along to the private view this Friday.

Laura-Jade

East Midlands Finest

2009-08-12T13:03:00.000+01:00

It is a rainy day, and I am in Surface’s office, getting a few jobs done. It is sad to see the gallery empty after the Open Exhibition. Later today Michael Douglas will be taking down ‘Water Cycle’. Although it is a loss, we should embrace the wonderful new possibilities for the space in our next exhibition. Neil Dixon shall be in the gallery shortly, to continue working on his sculpture for East Midland’s Finest. Marketing for E.M.F. is underway. The flyers look excellent and now just need distributing around Nottingham. I have included the press release below.

Laura-Jade

‘East Midlands Finest’
22nd- 29th August 2009
Private View: Friday 21st August 6-9pm

This month Surface Gallery is proudly showcasing its very 1st annual East Midlands show. The exhibition consists of a diverse range of media; including painting, photography, sculpture and installation, featuring a selection of recent graduates talent scouted by our volunteers from the following local universities: Loughborough, De Montfort, Derby and Nottingham Trent. Some of whom have already been selected for national awards, such as the BP Portrait Award 2008.

The exhibition offers the chance to explore and observe the array of talent produced by new and upcoming artists of today. Some artists have had the chance to create and install an individual piece for the show, allowing the opportunity for the artist to stretch their creativity and offer something unique to the gallery and it’s visitors. The broad and dynamic range of art that has been produced within the East Midlands addresses the fundamental processes of contemporary expression.

Abi Benford shall be creating an exclusive wall and floor installation that shall explore and present a new concept of abstract geometric painting and the relationship of colour through a range of mediums and strict processes. Neil Dixon is also making a piece for the show; his work is captured by abstract forms based on grids which begin to question the tension between the illusion of space and the diagrammatic and propositional qualities the work ultimately portrays. Benjamin Cohen captures paint and the human figure with an exquisite energy, brought to life through the expression and emotion of paint alone. The relationship between these components derives a composition that carries the sitters character to life and beholds a strong spell upon the viewer. Alex Mazzitelli uses second-hand objects to create humorous sculptures depicting a function of some sort. These provoking pieces of ‘junk’ are built to life-size, performing a presence as they would in everyday life.

Featured artists include: Abi Benford, Benjamin Cohen, Charlotte Ratcliff, Joanna John, Andrew Martyn Sugars, Neil Dixon, Bobby Goulding, Sarah Roberts and Alex Mazzitelli.

The Private View will be held on the 21st August 6-9pm, where you will be able to come along to view the work and meet participating artists.

Connotations of...

2009-08-01T16:09:00.001+01:00

Here's a little sneak preview of our Open Exhibition.The pictures speak for themselves, but what struck out is there seems to be a reminicense of something amongst the exhibits.Hence, connotations of..

Delphine Perrot

Clinton de Menezes
Field(2009)
The American stance..iraq, war and such like..

Kate Tilley
Hiema (2007)
Grandma..

Michael Douglas
Water Cycle (2008)
Falling rain..

Naina

Open Show 2009

2009-07-25T13:47:00.000+01:00

This years 'Open Show' here at Surface Gallery is successfully underway. The exhibition consists of the following artists: Dean Melbourne, Michael Douglas, Kate Tilley, Delphine Perrot, Edward Sellman, Jenni Whitehead, Kiera Blakey, Sam Clift, Laura Taylor, Louise Garland, Chantal Powell, Thomas Wright, Clinton De Menezes, Judith Alder, Eve Wheate, Ian Maslen, who were selected for the show. The show includes work ranging from sculpture, painting and drawing, to film, installation and new media.

Whilst sitting in the gallery space inviligating the soothing tune featuring along- side Judith Alder's film installaion creates a pleasant accompaniment whilst preparing finer details to our next up-coming exhibition 'East Midlands Finest', exhibiting 22nd to 29th August 2009.

The private viewing for the 'Open Show' was a great success and allowed visitors to have a sneak preview of the diverse selection of artists from a variety of different backgrounds, each contributing their own unique compnent within the show. So, pop down to Surface Gallery and enjoy a leisurely and creative experience! The annual exhibit ends 7th August.

By: Ella-Jane

yum yum - submissions galore

2009-07-14T16:03:00.000+01:00

11 07 09

First off: East Midlands Finest Exhibition
Noontime: voles start the process of selecting the best art of the Midlands from a shortlisted selection of grad shows from across the county whilst I quietly invigilate downstairs and read a few articles from a magazine – most notably on Tom Lovelace. How appropriate.

Second: Open Show submissions – the shortlist
A flurry of last minute arrivals filtered through on Friday.
By Saturday an array of voles were gathered in critical positions to view, discuss, and decide upon the art in front of us.
Art projected onto the big white expanse of wall with keen eyes casting judgment over the mountains of arty entries. It was a slow process, but absorbing nonetheless.
Piles of yes no maybes grew.
Finally a decision was made...and this weekend the shortlisted will arrive with art in tow ready to be exhibited on 23rd July. Phew!!

ANNEXINEMA 03/07/2009

2009-07-04T16:39:00.000+01:00

Last night Annexinema returned to Surface Gallery for the second time to show a new programme of experimental films under the theme of Writing. Hosted as part of Broadway's screenlit festial, the programmed delivered an interesting varied collection of short art videos ranging from the 1970's to more recent pieces made in 2008.

Hightlights of the programme included Volker Schreiner's 'Teaching the Alphabet', Simon Ellis 'Telling Lies', Ian Nesbitts 'Machine Poem #14' and B.S Johnson 'You're Human Like the Rest of Them'

Rachel

Tom Lovelace Private View

2009-07-04T16:16:00.000+01:00

Thursday evening saw the Private View of Tom Lovelace's solo exhibition 'The Cut' at Surface Gallery. Returning one year after winning Open Show 2008, Tom also gave a talk about his work, the ideas behind his pieces and the things which have inspired his art practise.

The exhibition comprises of three bodies of work made during 2008/2009, Site 407, Ruptures, and Unit 2. In these pieces Tom explores his relationship with the industrial landscape using photography and sculpture to create an interesting and varied exhibition. 'The Cut' will be running at Surface Gallery until 15th August.

Rachel

2009-07-03T17:36:00.000+01:00

The weather may have taken a turn for the worst and made today’s tasks a little wetter but volunteers at the gallery are powering through! Preparations for our upcoming Open Show are gradually coming along with several more submissions in the post today to take a look at – next weekend sees a big meeting to organise and select which works will make the show; should be pretty exciting! But for today we’ll have to settle for snatching surreptitious peeks at the Wimbledon semi-finals between opening envelopes and tapping away at the computer…

Annexinema are busy above us setting up for their second event here at the gallery, ‘Writing’, with a selection of films ranging from the amusing to the experimental. Definitely work a look for the modest £3 entry fee. With the contents of the bar having already arrived and many a plinth having been sourced from around the gallery for various purposes it looks like things are coming together well in time for opening tonight at eight.

The opening night of Tom Lovelace’s exhibition ‘The Cut’ went off with a bang last night with a great turn out. Tom’s show is a particularly interesting one as he was actually the winner of our Open Show 2008 over twenty-three other exhibiting artists – well done Tom! If you missed the private view last night, swing by the gallery before the 16th and take a look at these haunting industrial landscapes…

Jess

2009-06-30T14:04:00.000+01:00

Surface Gallery is very excited and making preliminary preparations for Tom Lovelace's 'The Cut' exhibition that is due to open Friday 3rd July. Tom is expected to be in the next couple of days working with our volunteers on his return to Surface Gallery to exhibit a solo body of photographic work. His images which he himself crafts, installs, and excavates are of industrial scenes, which ultimately create ephemeral objects and environments that exist solely for the camera. Each scene is constructed life size, presenting disconcerting scenarios that lie in the cusp between reality and fiction.

On Thursday 2nd July from 6-8pm there is a Private Viewing of Tom's work, which is not to be missed! It gives you the chance to view his work and meet the artist and also listen to a talk given by him at 7pm.

Here, at Surface we are also in the preliminary stages of collecting submissions for our Open Show exhibition which will be held 27th July - 7th August. We are receiving daily applications that show promising artists working in a variety of media. It is still not too late to enter, as the deadline has now been extended to 9th July. An application form is avaliable for download from our website, so have a look and also browse our upcoming events!

Saturdayyyyy

2009-06-06T15:57:00.000+01:00

So 5degrees is now up and running after a very sucessful opening night on Monday we've plenty of visitors coming and going. After a raining start in Nottingham this morning a steady flow of people have been in and out following the Photoradar trail around Nottingham city center. If you haven't already seen the show you've got four more days to get yourselves down here.

So all in all it's been a rather busy afternoon here at the gallery. Tom Lovelace, the winner of last years open show, has also been in to explore the space and finalise plans for his open show winners exhibition. Having a sneak peak at a couple of his photographs he has brought along I believe 'The Cut' opening on the 3rd of July is going to be an exciting show, and I've also heard rumours there's going to be an artists talk for this one.

Its almost 5pm and I can't believe how quickly this afternoon at Surface has flown by, better start closing up for another day..

Rachel

on the wall

2009-05-30T12:33:00.000+01:00

Lovely summery yellow paint job complete. But yet more painting and finishing touches to the gallery itself in preparation for hanging photos for the Photoradar 5degrees exhibition. It's all slowly coming together with three up on the wall. The dark, intriguing tones of these three photos juxtaposed against the brilliantly dazzling white gallery walls and sunshine leaking in through the open doors.

I've been printing off application forms for our Open Show (on at the end of July) - pick one up if you for the chance to exhibit your wares here at Surface! And small posters advertising our new space on the 2nd floor for any photographers in search of copious amounts of natural light...

Volunteers and the Photoradar team sporadically skip off to sneinton market to stock up on fruit and veg in between vital moments of creating, constructing, sanding, painting, hanging, sanding, framing, sunbathing...

Exciting time ahoy: Photoradar - the first exhibition I've been involved in as a new volunteer! See you there, Eve

Yellow!!

2009-05-29T14:02:00.000+01:00

.. The Gallery foyer, that is. How very strange..

..except it isn't.
In anticipation and preparation of the upcoming Photoradar show, the Gallery is going through yet another makeover. Gone is the white foyer, and replacing it is a beautifully light lemon colour. Very summery indeed, which is becoming, knowing the weather in Nottingham at the moment!

Inside, it's all systems go. Paint, walls being altered, various DIY implements all over the place, banging and controlled chaos..roll on the opening day, the 2nd of June.

Typically it's been a bit hectic so it has been a while since the last update, apologies for that. And maybe one day we will actually manage to post some more pictures to this blog too - a lot of them are on the Gallery computer, it's all a question of digging the out of the right folders and posting them ;-).
Sadly my own technological expertise is not enough to be able to post anything from my own phone (that's what you get for being to smart and getting a phone that is a bit too clever for you!).

However, we now have a Flickr- account - find us at http://www.flickr.com/photos/surfacegallerynottingham.

There

Adios for now!

-Johanna-

Saturday...

2009-05-09T14:32:00.000+01:00

It saturday at the Surface Gallery and as usual there's lots going on. Sam and Gemma have been busy giving interviews and inducting new volunteers. It's exciting meeting new voles, and as the expanding network of volunteers grows so will the gallery which as an exciting new space has heaps of room for development and new opportunities.

Meanwhile I'm manning the gallery space. Its a penultimate day of Banalarama and we've had a few people in seeing the exhibition. I am currently feeling inspired and putting some thoughts and notes together for a review type piece of writing on the show.

It's getting to that time of year again where degree shows are nearly upon us. It's scary to think that just this time last year I was busy wrapping up three years of creative work into one final exhibition, and even more scary how quickly the time has gone by since then! I'm sure that any final year students reading this will be feeling the pressure right now..

Here at surface gallery we are all also excited about 2009's up and coming degree shows. First of all we will ourselves be hosting one of the Nottingham Trent's Photography BA exhibitions. PHOTORADAR is this years festival and marks the 13th year of these annual shows and promises to be just as exciting as last years. This exhibition will be on from the 1st - 12th June, make sure you check out the surface gallery for further information on the exhibition and the artists involved.

Also here at Surface Gallery we have an exciting new idea in the pipeline for an exhibition in the summer which will showcase some of the best work and talent coming out of the East Midlands. It's all very exciting stuff!

Rachel

The hills are alive with the sound of music..

2009-05-05T12:06:00.001+01:00

..and so is the Surface Gallery. That meaning, the music is blaring from the player and people are running about, doing the set-up the new exhibition starting this week.
For the casual listener is may sound like someone is pulling a wall down at the moment (but I am optimistic the roof will not fall on me whilst I am writing this blog at the downstairs office).

So, it is finally time for Banalarama. The private view is tonight, and all this week, the doors will be open for anyone wanting to see the work. Well worth the effort, I will say, having had a sneak peak at the stuff on display.

That is all from me - I will be going upstairs and contribute my non-existent DIY skills to the exhibition effort before rushing off to work. Hope to see you here, my dear reader!

-Johanna-

The Vole, that 'running force' behind it all

2009-05-02T19:50:00.000+01:00

A short posting from me - a Vole who's just done a 12 hour shift at work, and is missing the first days of the setting up of Banalarama because of the joys of work.

The casual 'stumbler-upon-ner' might not know that the Surface Gallery is run wholly by volunteers, also know as Voles.
That's right - no paid workers, no full-time staff, just people who have lives, commitments and jobs outside the Gallery.

We don't get expenses paid - our reward is getting things done, seeing things progress and seeing other people enjoy what we have done, meeting people, talking to them, spreading the word that art is accessible and enjoyable to all.

That's where it gets interesting.
Fitting in the Gallery with 'the other life' can be a bit tricky at times. You snatch an hour here, and hour there, invigilate for half a day then rush off to the bank to pay bills.
Study, work, spend time with the friends, family, loved ones. Go shopping for food, relax, do stuff at the Gallery - it all has to fit in there somewhere in the 24 hours.
When you are involved in something like the Gallery, the satisfaction comes from every little hole filled with polyfiller, every wall painted, every day invigilated.
But it also brings with in hands-on experience in how to deal with a business and put up an exhibition, a chance to speak to artists and art students, visitors to the Gallery.
At the moment three Voles (myself including) have started working towards NVQs in various areas of business, all linked with the Gallery. Undoubtably they will be beneficial in the future - so it is not all about the more 'abstract' satisfaction that you get from being a Vole!

But ultimately, when being asked 'why do we do it', I am sure I can speak on the behalf of my fellow Voles when I say 'because it's great'!
(And because we really love polyfiller ;-).)

-Johanna-

Friday...

2009-05-01T16:27:00.000+01:00

Another day at Surface Gallery. This post is coming to you from the cold dark basement depths below the surface gallery where all the behind the scenes workings take place. Event of the day would be Hannah from fly FM (http://www.flyfm.co.uk/) coming in to interview us about the Gallery and all the new goings on in the new building. Sandra was the lucky vole who was around to take the interview. Look out for podcasts of the interview coming on the fly FM over the next week.
Today is also the last day of the Kate Walters exhibition, so if you haven't made it over the last two weeks this is your last chance (well you've got one hour until we close anyway!). There's lots going on here next week, the next exhibition Banalarama, which is co-curated by one of our own Voles, is happening straight away. The private view is on Tuesday 6 - 9pm, but the exhibition is only on for one week so make sure you check it out...

Rachel

Thursday musings

2009-04-30T18:04:00.000+01:00

Today was a busy day at the Gallery indeed. It is nice to gear up towards the end of a show on high!
From getting various graphics for the Banalarama show delivered to the Gallery, to being warned some structural work on the pavement outside occurring tomorrow morning (fingers crossed it will be over midday-ish as promised!), things seemed to be happening and people seemed to be popping in all the way during my own invigilation shift which lasted until 3 pm. Hopefully the 'late shift' proved to be as popular :-).

We got a visit from the fine arts students from the New College Nottingham. Collaborating with arts students at all levels, and in various ways, is something we at the Gallery are quite interested of, and no doubt will do more of.
It's important to let students know that places like the Surface Gallery exist, and it's always nice to speak to upcoming artists brimming with ideas and enthusiasm!

Someone asked me about the submissions to the Open Show, which will be opening later in July this year during the course of the day.
The submission form is available on the website, with the final submission date being the 30th of June 2009, at 6 pm the latest. So there is still time to submit work for consideration! The application form explain the process, which is simple enough.
Every artist can submit three (3) pieces for consideration, with a £10 fee for every submitted piece of work. Work in all media will be considered, but it needs to be posted for submission (e-mailed works will not be accepted).

So get picking ;-)!

-Johanna-

New beginnings..

2009-04-29T15:59:00.000+01:00

And so Surface Gallery steps into the cyberspace, and bravely goes where it has not gone before (that means, starts a blog and starts Twittering). Updates on both will follow, as soon as we get into grips with the new developments!

But here's a quick update/preview from me, Johanna, one of the marketing assistants and general workers at the Gallery, to wet your appetite..

Spring is in the air, and the Gallery is currently busy invigilating an exhibition by Kate Walters.
The final day of the exhibition is on the 1st of May, and we already have something lined up, so keep tuned. All I can say is that Banalarama is sounding very promising indeed...

The Gallery in itself is coming along nicely, with each week bringing a change to something bigger and better.
Those familiar with Surface Gallery know that we have quite recently moved to 16 Southwell Road, Nottingham, to a whole new complex which has a huge amount of potential.
There is space, there is light, and it is all beginning to look pretty spiffy after some hard work from the volunteers.

Write-ups from the current exhibition, plus previews are to follow, as well as general updates from the life in the Gallery.
After all, it's not all about the glamour of the exhibitions and private views - it's also hitting your finger with a hammer and cleaning the toilet, the everyday life in the world of art. And we wouldn't have it any other way..

-Johanna-

SURFACE GALLERY

The International Postcard Show 2012: Call for Submissions

AIR Insight Artist Talk

EM11: Forged Attrition

West Bridgford School Exhibition

Doodle Wall 3, works

Open Show reception

Surface Open Show 2011

Open Show - Call For Submissions

Fluorescent Sheep

Surface Shorts – Call for Submissions

Surface Summer Artist Residency 2011: “Site & Situ”

We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for the first Solo Summer Artist Residency in the Surface Project Space.

4 CAN + 2 =

New to Surface: 'Talk Tea and a Tour' Programme

NEW EXHIBITION 'e.m.10:Continua'

e.m.10: continua

22nd October - 12th November 2010

Preview: Saturday 23rd October 6-9pm

NEW EXHIBITION 'Terra Incognita'

Project 29 "Surface"

Project29 Artist & Organisation Talk

I am Solitary, I am an Army

Open Show 2010 Private Viewing

Artists Selected for Open Show 2010

SURFACE OPEN SHOW - CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS!

Surface Craft Fair!

Hooray! Arts and Crafts Fair this weekend!

Arts and Crafts Fair 1st&2nd May

Laura Taylor's Speedboat and Matchsticks

Laura Taylor: Speedboat Matchsticks

Surface Flyer

Spring Arts and Crafts Fair

Mine The Mountain

The perfection of the iMperfect

Laura Taylor: Speedboat Matchsticks

Measure and Purpose: Glimpses from the Private View

Measure and Purpose

Measure and Purpose

Pippa Gatty, Kate Brigden

Exhibition: Last Orders at the Bar: The Demise of the Great British Pub

The Postcard Show

Post Card Show 2009

Waiting Room

Part 1 Photographs

Article about Surface Gallery

10 Years of Surface...

Surface Gallery Celebrates it's 10th Birthday!

East Midlands Finest 2009

Not so much crying..

Almost East Midlands Finest!

East Midlands Finest

Connotations of...

Open Show 2009

yum yum - submissions galore

ANNEXINEMA 03/07/2009

Tom Lovelace Private View

Saturdayyyyy

on the wall

Yellow!!

Saturday...

The hills are alive with the sound of music..

The Vole, that 'running force' behind it all

Friday...

Thursday musings

New beginnings..

22^nd October - 12th November 2010