Wellbeing roomA relaxed room used by artists and staff to use when they need time away from communal spaces, a space to rest or to do work which requires some quiet space. It is accessible through the door next to the L-shaped sofa. The wellbeing room has a desk, plug sockets, two types of seating and neutral decor. All furniture is movable and plug sockets are desk height. Flooring Smooth lino in a neutral grey and beige stone effect Lighting Soft […]
Image credit: Felicity CrawshawRuaridh Allen (he/him)Technical Director Ruaridh Allen is our Technical Director, having joined SSW in Summer 2024 as Technical Manager on a 12 month pathway to this role. Alongside Sara Gallie (Finance and Governance Director) and Sam Trotman (Programme & Partnerships Director) he forms SSW’s Multi-Voiced Leadership team. Over his past year he has worked tirelessly to improve the facilities and site at SSW and to introduce workshop processes and infrastructures that prioritise access and safety. His background is in metalworking […]
Image credit: SSWA place where pottery meets the pub! Come and join us once a month from 6-8pm for an evening of getting together with neighbours and having fun with all things clay. These relaxed creative sessions will start with an introduction to some basic clay techniques and offer you plenty of time to work on your own creations. If you haven’t used clay before don’t worry, no experience is required. Snacks and refreshments are provided and all materials, consumables and firing are […]
Monday 22 – Friday 26 JulySummer Holiday Art Club (7 – 12 year olds)10 am – 1 pmCome along to the Community Making Space to spend the morning designing, drawing and making a new collective artwork for the village. Working as a team and supported by contemporary artists, young people will work with shape, pattern and colour to design a new public artwork for Lumsden. Summer Holiday Art Club is designed for children aged 7 upwards.Children under 7 will need […]
Image of Chris from Manoeuvre leading a textile workshop. Photo by Joanne MatthewsThese sessions take place from 11am-1pm followed by a cooked lunch and access to the Lumsden Community fridge. Please book with our online form letting us know all of the events you plan to attend, or just turn up on the day. Thursday 27 JunePlant Life in Lumsden with Cait from Cults Croft11 am – 1 pmJoin us as we take a tour of the flora and fauna of Lumsden learning about some of the historical and current uses of […]
Image from Rural School of Economics Summer Camp with Myvillages. Photo by Felicity Crawshaw.We are so excited to be kicking off our Community Making Space Programme this summer with a wide range of free creative and skills based sessions developed in collaboration with our community advisors. This summer we will dig into the possibilities of working with textiles – from skills sessions that will decorate and adorn through to practical workshops on how material connects us to the world and to each other. This textile programme will be the focus of our weekly […]
Photo by Felicity CrawshawSam Trotman (she/her)Programme & Partnerships Director Sam Trotman is the Programme and Partnership Director at SSW and forms part of its new co-leadership model alongside Sara Gallie and Ruaridh Allen. Within this role she works with the SSW team, artists and local community members in developing the programme and ensuring that everything is in place to make it happen. Sam is a producer by trade and has spent over 20 years supporting artists in developing and sharing their practices across […]
Photo by Felicity CrawshawJoanne Matthews (they/them)Programme ProducerJo works closely with Sam on projects, residencies, events and communications at SSW but above all is the person ensuring artists are taken care of and get the most out of their time at SSW. Jo helps artists with their development and ideas on residencies as well as the practical planning, you’ll also find them stoking the onsite sauna, cooking pancakes at potluck breakfasts and leading walks. Jo works both remotely (based in Edinburgh) and onsite at […]
Mara Marxt Lewis (she/her)Community Arts Organiser Mara, the Community Arts Organiser, fosters a vibrant and inclusive environment where creativity, collaboration, and community engagement thrive. In her role, she empowers individuals to take ownership of the Community Making Space, encourages the exploration of new ideas, and co-facilitates innovative ways of thinking through workshops and diverse activities. Mara’s vision is to create a space where conversation, exchange, and a sense of belonging are nurtured through the transformative power of art and community-engaged […]
Image credit: Felicity CrawshawSara Gallie (she/her)Finance & Governance DirectorSara Gallie is an artist and arts administrator with 30 years of experience in managing and supporting arts organisations and projects across Aberdeenshire from grassroots to director level. Sara has worked hard to support SSW and all her colleagues, past and present, since 2013. Her conscientious approach, rigour and sharp eye for detail enables strong financial management, her curiosity, sense of fairness, care and resilience supports strategy and change-making while her passion to support ‘making’ […]
Scottish Charity Number: SC003223