All Things Are Connected Exhibition Leads to Mosaic !

Many people came to view ‘All Things Are Connected’ Art Exhibition over the following 4 weeks – even David Essex ! I’d approached him as he’s my Dad’s cousin and I was aware he was involved with many children’s charities at the time and was the chairman of Voluntary Services Overseas. I thought he may be able guide me towards ways of funding free workshops for children during the event, perhaps know of people/charities who could help fund bringing performers over from Europe and America. Unfortunately he wasn’t able to, but one day I got a call from him at home. He was on his way to perform in a play in Glasgow and wanted to drop in to see the exhibition. It was great to see him and he was really supportive of the project. His girlfriend, Carlotta, was of Native American heritage and was interested to check it out. He did invite us to come down and visit them, but I think I was younger and shyer so unfortunately didn’t keep in touch. Great Uncle Alec, David’s Dad, when I first contacted him, said I sounded like David, with all these crazy ideas ! I always remember my Nan, who lived on a council estate in Dagenham, being over the moon when in the height of his fame, he dropped into the local park in his helicopter, to pop in say hi! If you ever read this David get in touch 🙂

Through the exhibition I met and worked with some great people. I connected with Maureen Black ( Mo’s Mosaics ) one of the artists that had just been commissioned to create a mosaic at the Arcadian, Birmingham city centre. Coincidentally,  they were supposed to start on the same day as our launch for ‘All Things Are Connected’ but it was delayed for a week. She came in to see the exhibition, really got the concept and loved what we were trying to achieve, which felt great. There’s always a bit of comedown after working so hard to build an event/exhibition and a sense of anti-climax, so her positivity really lifted my spirits ! She introduced me to Rebecca Garner, her friend and business partner, also another fantastic artist, and we instantly clicked. As the event was over, they invited me to take part in their mosaic commission. It was an amazing experience in so many ways ! It also was where I caught the mosaic bug !