This exhibition featured work of contemporary automata rs and mechanical sculptors.  The show examined the movement and mechanics of the work and included a range of work, techniques, construction and materials.

Work on display included metal automata by John Grayson, metalwork by Jon Mills and interactive artwork by Tine Bech. This fun show encouraged visitors to touch, turn handles and interact with the sculptures to bring the pieces to life.

There are Children's Make and Do Activity sheets| | | | for this exhibition.

|| | |  Click here to view the full statistical information gathered during 'Magical Mechanical Machines'.| | | |  (PDF 92KB)

Made in the middle is a major survey of contemporary craft from makers with a connection to the West Midlands. Selected by a panel of curators, design historians and leading national makers, 37 cutting edge makers are showing their latest work in this national touring exhibition.

Work on display included ceramics, glass, jewellery, metalwork, textiles and furniture from both recent graduates and makers with international reputations. Over 100 objects were on display at the Shire Hall Gallery supported by video and sound recordings, work you could touch and a family activity guide.

Made in the Middle is a partnership between Craftspace, a Birmingham based crafts agency, and Rugby Art Gallery and Museum.

There are Children's Colouring-in sheets| for this exhibition.

|| | |  Click here to view the full statistical information gathered during 'Made in the Middle'.| | | |  (PDF, 86KB) 

This exhibition brought together the work of artists and craft makers inspired by the countryside.  Themes included food, farming, animals and the rural landscape. 

Work on display included paintings by Bridget Macdonald, leather sculptures by Karen Trower and recycled metalwork by Val Hunt.  From contemporary landscape painting and prints to ceramic sculpture and felt vessels

There are Children's Colouring-in sheets| for this exhibition.

Country Life in the Kitchen
7 July - 9 September

To continue the Countryside theme, this craft exhibition featured work by designer/makers who gave the Country style theme a contemporary twist.

From rustic furniture to pretty fabrics and domestic pottery this exhibition included accessories and objects to help give your kitchen a stylish, Country feel.

|| | |  Click here to view the full statistical information gathered during 'County Life'.| | | | (PDF, 126KB) 

The Staffordshire Open Art Exhibition is the Gallery's annual showcase for artistic talent in the County.

Each year prizes are kindly sponsored by local businesses. This year's sponsors are Pritchard Holdings Plc, Art of England Magazine, Schott UK Ltd, Barnett Ratcliffe Partnership, The Paper House, Stafford, and Culturegen, Arts & Creative Industries Development. The exhibition is also supported by Staffordshire Life magazine.

The winning artist received a cheque for £1000 and a stunning piece of contemporary glass also sponsored by Pritchard Holdings Plc.

The work for the exhibition was selected by Danny Callaghan, Programme Manager Culturegen and Neil Wood, Sculptor.

The exhibition featured paintings, drawings, prints, photography and sculpture. Most of the work was for sale with something to suit all tastes and pockets.

During the eight week show visitors could vote for their favourite piece of work in our Visitors Choice Prize with the winning artist receiving £100.

|| | |  Click here to view the full statistical information gathered during 'Open Art 2007'.| | | | (PDF, 94KB)

This exhibition was a survey of the current work of influential furniture maker Guy martin.  A key member of the influential furniture institution Parnham College, Martin was short listed for the Jerwood prize in 1999.

Now making work that spans furniture, interior design and architecture, the exhibition focused on issues of sustainability, ethical production and a sense of locality.

Whole Life Cost was a calculation not only of the one-off cost of manufacture and construction but also of the future cost to ourselves and our planet, calculating social and cultural value as well as economic.

Revive is an inspiring collection of craft by designer/makers who use recycled materials to produce innovative and unusual work.  As people become more aware of the importance of recycling this exhibition tackles the issues of living in a throwaway society and how our waste can be transformed into something stunning. Also on display will be a wide range of information about how you can reduce your amount of household waste and see some creative ideas to help you recycle and revive your unwanted items to give them a new lease of life.

What can we tell about a person from a photograph or from the clothes that they wore? This exhibition puts photographs and historic dress together for a unique insight into developments in fashion and photography from the 19th century to the present day. Using photographs and dress from the County Museum Collection 'Costume in Camera' explores some of the stories behind the faces in the photographs and asks what can we learn from the clothes that the subjects wore.  The exhibition looks at our changing attitudes towards photography, fashion and most importantly, how we want others to see us.

There are Children's Colouring-in sheets| for this exhibition.

|| | |  Click here to view the full statistical information gathered during 'Costume in Camera'.| | | | (PDF, 69KB)

This exhibition explores the fusion between craft and photography in contemporary practice.  It features work from various craft disciplines with photographic imagery being the common thread. Many contemporary makers are using images to add a new dimension to their work resulting in an exciting 'cross process' that blurs the boundaries between photography, art and craft.