Inclusive arts practitioner Elaine Foster-Gandey has worked with several local community groups to create a sculpture out of recycled fabric donated by the London College of Fashion.
From Saturday 18 September - Saturday 30 October, you are invited to view 'Hope' - an idea by artist Elaine Foster-Gandley. Born out of the need to reconnect after such a difficult time with the Covid pandemic, the dress sculpture weaves words of hope from local people - allowing voices to be heard who are normally invisible.
Through various workshops, people have been given the chance to reconnect and learn craft skills while contributing to 'Hope'. The workshops have included weaving, paper making and Hapa Zome taught by a number of artists including Alison Cotton, Nadya Derungs and Elaine Foster-Gandey. Elaine has engaged local schools including Valley Park School in Maidstone, Sackville school and Beechwood school’s in Kent. Also visually impaired participants, Dance groups in Kent, LGBT community, Mental health groups, drug & alcohol rehabilitation, elderly groups in East Sussex, Refugee groups and women in refuge.
The aim is to connect as many people as possible through individuals hopes and dreams via words written on fabric strips that are then woven into a giant dress sculpture, communicating a positive way forward and a brighter future where everyone has the right to be heard no matter what background, race, gender, physical ability, age or mental ability.