http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 'Red' - Teresa and Dominique Hodgson-Holt, 'In Certain Places' Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:53:56 +0000 a-n rss generator a-n The Artists Information Company and contributors edit@a-n.co.uk technical@a-n.co.uk http://www.a-n.co.uk/img/logo.gif http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 We have worked our socks off for the past two days.  Phew!!  Today we have had lots of spectators admiring our growing display of red clothes and accessories. In fact, one lady knocked on the glass door repeatedly and was determined to purchase our wears. We are getting to know our fellow retailers and shoppers and we are sensing a feeling of acceptance. Hopefully, as from Thursday we are open to the public and we will be able to engage them in our project.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 We started off the day by cleaning the windows.  The pound shop next door but one said that we could borrow their step ladders for the duration of our project.  Thank you pound shop! We are open to the public now and ready to go.  We began by testing the circular route that we decided on.  En route, each participant will sit down to take tea or coffee at 'Go Fresh', a juice/coffee kiosk situated on the square in front of the Harris Museum and Art Gallery, where they will be photographed by volunteers.  Many thanks to Kathryn Wheatly for photographing us today.  On re-entering the shop they will fill in a short questionnaire to record their experience, and a short video recording will be made.  Any comments gathered along the way, we intend to write on our blackboards in the shop. We have our first participants ready to go and are excited to see what tomorrow brings!    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 Well, we've finally settled down in our shop in St John's Centre.  Last week was extremely busy, cleaning, ironing and hanging our lovely red clothes.  We did think that it might prove slightly intimidating being in the shop window amongst our red things, but actually it was quite exciting and we have definitely taken on a new persona when dressed in red and feel like we are actually on stage acting, especially when we have our music playing.  When we thought about how our first week would go, we imagined that the only people who dressed in red would be our friends or family.  In the event all those who where supposed to come along had valid excuses why they couldn't dress up?  The brilliant thing was we managed to inspire 13 complete strangers to engage with the red project and become our first walkers.  On Saturday a lovely bloke called Danny Johnson, from Liverpool, who willingly dressed in red and was the first man to participate with his girlfriend Danni.  They were both great company and have promised to come back with Ben and more of their friends from Liverpool.  We hope so.  Today, Monday, we have had lots of people in the shop chatting and asking about the project but never quite managed to get a willing participant.  Not to worry though as at this moment the washing machine's busy dying children's clothes red, as a lovely family have bought clothes especially for their two gorgeous boys to wear on Saturday next, so they will be our first whole family and we can't wait.     ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 Today started of very well indeed as we received our two first donations of red clothing. Both items were jackets and both were donated by woman. Thank you very much, and we hope our collection continues to grow! We had lots of interest all through the day, and lots of people eager to be involved. Many are coming back over the next week to take part. We also had our youngest participant at 10 months old take part today. Baby Dylan and his mum Lucy looked lovely as they set off out of the St. Johns centre all in red, including the pushchair with its own red scarf. They made their merry way through the market and across town, Dylan leaning forward, smiling and waving at the slightly bemused spectators. He thoroughly enjoyed his experience, as did Lucy. Lucy was very surprised about how wearing the red clothes gave her an instant confidence boost and how she enjoyed the attention much more than she'd anticipated.    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 No sooner had we switched on the lights and opened the door, two ladies eagerly marched into our shop.  'We've come to dress in red', said the first.  They introduced themselves as Kirsty and Helen.  We had spoken to them on Monday about our project and at the time they had their dog with them.  They said they'd come back and were true to their word.  They chose their outfits, got changed, and at exactly 10:30am they set off on the walk.  When seated for their coffee, a group of men began singing a very out of tune 'Lady in Red'.  The ladies seemed quite flattered. It was a great start to the day!! The afternoon was equally successful as three young ladies, Lorraine, Jenna, and Jade volunteered to do the walk.  They set off and looked a vision in red.  All heads turned in confused amazement as they walked along.  They sat down for their drink and as it started to rain quite heavily, they decided to make a hasty retreat back into the St. John's Centre.  The rain didn't dampen their enthusiasm however, as they giddily recalled the experience as they said goodbye.  So 5 people to add to the list of participants and after another busy day with lots of interest, we are both extremely positive that we will be gaining many more!   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 Teresa here.  How wet, chilly and miserable was Preston today.  We had to crank up the music to lift our spirits and with the morning ironing and a bit of dancing we kept warm.  We had a lovely lady help us today, Liz, a volunteer from the Harris Museum and we had a laugh outside the shop handing out leaflets.  At one point we were descended upon by endless young people, too eager by far!  I have to admit (Liz and Dom thought so to) that it was a lucky escape when they moved on, typical messy teenagers and it took us a while to tidy up after them.  Thank you Liz for your efforts today.  One lady who came into the shop around the same time, commented on how it smelt nice of soap powder - which is lovely to hear and means we've finally beaten the horrible, stale cafe smell of when we first moved in.  I'm not surprised though as we're constantly washing all the clothes which are worn, as we feel its only fair to  people willing to get dressed up to have fresh clothes.  Apparently, this adds to their confidence, or so I was told today by one of our young ladies who participated.  Just as we were beginning to give up hope of getting any walkers Aimi Rushworth and Robyn Taylor, both 17, came in out of the blue and they were so enthusiastic about dressing up.  They're coming back with several friends on Tuesday of next week, hopefully.  Tomorrow should bring the lovely family who bought children's cloths especially for their two boys and we're looking forward to seeing them all in the shop.  Dom's off to Sheffield University tomorrow and Sunday to begin a new course, so I have my lovely sister-in-law, Julie coming to the St John's Centre to keep me company.  Julie's a teacher and has just finished for the summer - she was looking forward to a bit of peace and a lie in but its a 'Red' day for her instead and oh what a treat she's in for!   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 Teresa here again.  Yesterday, Saturday, Julie came along to the St John's Centre to give me a hand.  First thing was the usual tasks of ironing and hanging the clean clothes.  It feels almost like a real shop when we arrive in the mornings and I have to remind myself at times that this is an art project and not a commercial venture.  I can almost imagine opening a 'red cafe' and, judging by the interest we've had from passers by, we could possibly do well.  Just a few tables and chairs, open up the cafe serving mostly red food, selling red things, dressed in red and who knows?  Anyway, I digress.  We received some more red clothes, from people interested in the project, to join our ever growing collection.  They will come in handy without a doubt and it seems our handouts must be working.  Just when we were getting peckish and after we'd bought butties from the local shop, our lovely family came bounding full of life into the shop.  I just knew they'd come back with their 2 beautiful little boys whose clothes were ready, clean and dyed, awaiting their arrival.  We had great fun dressing them all up and I must say they look fabulous as they ventured forth on the circular walk around Preston.  Julie (who had entered into the spirit and picked some clothes earlier) decided she would get her walk over and done with - she's a bit reserved and said afterwards she felt a bit self conscious at times, as the total red clothing and the collection of people dressed in red presents quite a striking image, on a miserable day especially, and is always guaranteed to provoke a great deal of attention.  I have noted the comments which the stallholders on the market are making and they have definitely noticed that the red walkers are coming from the St John's Centre.  In fact 2 actually came in later in the afternoon to have a look around the shop and find out what we were up to.  They both said they loved it and it felt quite rewarding to hear that.  Well,  I must say the Saturday walkers all looked pretty good to me and as I followed or ran ahead to take photos I was aware of how the group encourages onlookers to smile as a response to their passing by and I have only ever heard positive remarks en route.   It was a rewarding day for me personally and I believe that all 5 participating in the day's activities had a unique experience and I'm looking forward to seeing them all again on 1 August when we will be having the mass 'red' walk around Preston.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 Dominique here.  Today we were interviewed at Preston FM by two  lovely ladies in an incredibly hot room, made hotter by my nerves as it was my first time on the radio. I was hoping to stay quiet and let my mum do the talking; anyone who remotely knows her knows she's good at talking. Unfortunately i wasn't so lucky and had a few questions thrown in my direction but it seemed to go ok. The interview will be aired between 8:30 and 10:30 on Friday morning. It was a very busy day again, and despite the terrible weather we had three eager walkers in Red. James, Wednesday and Adele all marched off in Red with a spring in their step and their umbrellas at the ready. They all enjoyed themselves and spent a good while sat on the square, drinking their coffee and soaking in the experience. Job well done and we're looking forward to tomorrow!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 Teresa and Dominique here today.  We didn't blog yesterday as we were victims of our own success.  We left the shop, after another hectic day, at 5.30 just before they locked us in and we were both shattered when we finally returned home.  Shona from Clitheroe, Rebecca and Robina walked yesterday, Shona being the first brave lady to venture forth on her own.  She certainly got into the spirit of the project and had a red makeover, including a manicure.  Robina took an hour off work especially for the occasion and Rebecca had been DIYing with her friend in Manchester and was seriously not looking forward to dressing up - thank you Rebecca.  Today, we were totally intent on tidying up our mess, ironing the clothes and generally having an easy day.  No, it didn't turn out that way.  We had to go in search of red tights (can't get enough of them actually) and red clothes in general (people do believe its a real shop and its getting painful).  Even with all our meaderings and turning up at the shop 40 minutes later than our normal prompt selves at 10am we still managed to beat Martin (only joking Martin) but we did.  Sorry Jenna for being late and we promise next Tuesday we won't be.  Anyway, all our efforts with total strangers are paying off as another lovely family came bouncing into the shop this afternoon, that we'd spoken to previously.  Just as we decided that we'd have to drag someone in and forceably dress them up, in they came and willingly too!!  Lawrence, Gail and their son Simon.  We had a really great time and we think they did too, we're hoping so.  They did say they were going to try and enlist their daughter and all come back on 1 August for the mass walk.  On the last minute just as we sat down for lunch (or funch as it is now known, because it becomes quite a joke trying to eat and almost impossible) in came 2 more people.  Wanting to buy our red clothes again.  Tomorrow at 10.30am the whole family are coming in to dress up and as tomorrow is another day we shall see.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 Teresa here.  Today was another mad and busy day.  Philippa called in to see us and we had Adele and Gemma to help us.  Thank goodness for those two.  We all walked together with Catrina who came in prepared in her very short red mini dress and brought new shoes to be dyed.  We had a very interesting time painting the shoes, my old boots (they've not a hope of drying before September due to my over excitement with the lovely red paint) and we all sang along to David Bowie, happy in our madness.  We bought a new cd as my lovely grandson snapped the needle on the record player on Tuesday.  I resorted to my boots and trousers, which I dyed last night, due to my feet killing me with all the walking round in silly shoes.  The afternoon was great as the rest of yesterday's family came in  minus one brother.  Try as I might I just couldn't convince the 14 year old niece that it really is a cool thing to walk around Preston dressed totally in red.  I can so understand her as she'd seen endless mates around town and even in her ordinary clothes she kept a discreet distance from us and insisted she was the only sane one around.  Not to worry, I don't think I'm losing the knack and I remembered my own 14 year old experiences with my 3 children and gave up gracefully and admitted defeat.  We ended our Friday on a lovely note with fish, chips and mushy peas as looking at the photographs of me, I simply couldn't get any worse - famous last words.  They were gorgeous though and it has to been done sometimes. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 Dominique here today!  Last week was extremely busy and we spent Saturday having a general tidy up.  We had a helping hand from Kathryn, one of our volunteers.  She spent a good few hours ironing all the red clothes which had been worn throughout the week, washed, and still slightly damp.  I bought a beautiful hat from the charity shop round the corner and my afternoon was taken up painting it red.  Teresa painted another hat and she gave her boots another coat of paint which will now take until Christmas to dry, never mind September.  We had fun dressing up Kahn, St. John's security man, in a red hat and tie!  On Thursday for the launch, all his colleagues will be joining him in wearing the red accessories. It was really lovely coming into a tidy shop this morning.  We made a brew and had 30 seconds to admire Saturdays hard work, then in walked our first customer.  Not only our first customer of the day but the first person also to have an adverse reaction to our shop and our project.  Quite an old lady, about 70ish, and quite adamant that our project wasn't art.  She launched her attack and we spent 10 minutes defending ourselves and our opinion of what we think art is.  Not good enough an explanation(i don't think she was even listening), off she stomped, tutting and shaking her head.  I don't think she'll be back to do the walk. Pity.  A breath of fresh air when Celia Cross came in to dress up in red and she looked fantastic, and despite the wet and windy weather, we set off on the walk.  We almost made it to the square when we spotted some red things in the window of a charity shop.  In we went and came out with two red bags, a red dress and a skirt for me which will look nice with boots in winter. Peter(Mr Cappuccino) seemed in a good mood which is always a bonus.  We engaged in conversation with a young man who would be 'up for wearing red' if he can find a red Henly's t-shirt.  A lady from Manchester whose car was being serviced came over and asked us why we we're dressed in red and if she could take a photograph.  We asked her if she was interested in doing the red walk and she explained how she never normally comes to Preston but she does go to Bury so she'll come and see us there.  We then went back to the shop and Elaine came with the projector and a big piece of plasticky material to be put up in the window which sounds easy enough. Two hours of smoothing out creases, creating more, smoothing them out, creating more..... and eventually, we sort of got there. We shall finish it off tomorrow as we had to leave before the gates to the centre were closed and we were locked in.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 Teresa here and I've just spent an age trying to sort my computer out and get Internet access.  So, will be quick as I've not eaten yet and its now 8.30pm.  Jake and Max, my lovely twin grandsons came to do the walk today as they can't come on Saturday.  We had a few histrionics from Jake regarding his red trousers which didn't quite meet his approval.  Otherwise all went well and we generated quite a bit of attention - Dom's rather large and thoroughly magnificent hat and the gorgeous boys I think.  Tomorrow's the launch and we're looking forward to seeing everyone.  I'm finally going to get to wear the pride of place, red velvet creation which I've been secretly saving for a special occasion.  Well tomorrow's the day, so hey ho let's hope it all goes well (and it still fits?).... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 Dominique here today.  Didn't blog last night as it was a manic busy day and when i got home i was absolutely exhausted.  I put all the red washing in(my normal washing is almost touching the ceiling) and then collapsed with a glass of dry white wine.  The rest is history. Yesterday was our launch. It went really well and lots of people came along to see our work and hear us talk about the project.  Elaine, Phillippa, Kathryn, Katrina, Gemma, Jenna and Adele all got dressed up in red for the occasion and all looked stunning. Security patrolled the centre looking the picture of authority in there red straw hats.  Even the pound shop and thorntons got into the spirit of the project and added red accessories to their uniform!  All in all, it was a great success, and a brillliant turn out. In the afternoon we dressed up three gorgeous girls in red and what a performance!  Hazel, Margaret an Margaret had real fun in their outfits as the chuckled and howled all the way round the walk.  They had all the accessories on and really went to town and thoroughly enjoyed the experience!  We have alot on today and as getting picked up in 10 minutes i'd better dry my hair and get some makeup on!    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 Hello again, for my second post of the day!  Not a long one though, as we have lots of dying/painting things red and washing and ironing to do in preparation for the grand finale tomorrow! Today, three lovely ladies kindly gave up their dinner hour and called into our shop to get dressed up.  Libby, Stephanie and Anne-marie all came bouncing in one after the other and as time was an issue, all needing to be back at work at 2, they spent no time deliberating over their outfits and grabbed what was available(if only everyone was as easy).  Looking fabulous, we we're out of the shop in no time at all and on a shortened version of the walk....directly to Mr Cappuccino for one of his delicious, full to the brim and totally boiling hot cups of coffee.  I had it in my hand for 3 seconds only before spilling it all over both mine and Libby's knee.  Liz, a work mate of Libby's, didn't get dressed up in red but came along for the walk and took some photographs of us all together which was very good of her, then dashed off to the cash point before heading back to work.   Tomorrow at 12 o clock midday, the event will begin to take place as everyone who has done the walk, some who haven't and anyone else that wants to participate, will all arrive at our red shop to take part in our en masse red walk.  Its going to be a bit of a free for all with the red clothes and hopefully some people will already be dressed in red when they arrive.  We hope that the weather will be kind to us but we have plenty of red umrellas at the ready if it decides to rain.   We shall keep our fingers crossed and look forward to making it a brilliant success!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 The weather on Saturday morning couldn't have been any worse but our event went ahead and despite the torrential rain, we  had an excellent turn out.  Everyone turned up prompt and the shop was thoroughly chaotic with hats of all sizes and styles being pulled from one head to the other.  Scalves were in great demand and we only just had enough accessories to satisfy everybodies enthusiasm and creativity. The pound shop had lots of red umbrellas set to one side for us but we didn't need them as the rain stopped minutes before we set off.  Hooray!! The 24 people dressed in red set off on the walk and together all walking single file, we stretched almost the full length of the market and Fishergate. We created such an impact that as we walked along, people stopped and stared in disbelief, took photographs, smiled and laughed, and one lady even joined the tail end of the walk and joked about her bum looking big on the video.  We all sat at Mr Cappuccino and watched the people on the square watching us.  Everyone chatted and laughed and shared the unique experience.  It seems that a great time was enjoyed by all. Thanks to everyone who came along as it made it spectacular, and thanks to Elaine, Phillippa, Charles and our lovely volunteers who were brilliant and Kevin for doing the video.  We both really enjoyed every minute of working in the St John's Centre and we start Bury on the 19th August after a well deserved rest!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 Dominique here. Today we began the second phase of our 'Red' project which will be taking place in Bury and Chorley. During our residency in the St. John's Centre in Preston we aimed to encourage at least one person everyday to get dressed entirely in red and walk a set route around the city centre and stop for a coffee on the way. The project ended with a large group of people dressed in red walking the same route single file. In Bury and Chorley the project will be slightly different. The challenge is to gather as many people as possible in both market towns over the next 4 weeks to take part in a 'Red Day Out' where the people of each town are invited to visit the 2 seperate locations together as one group. A guided tour of each town will take lace and the performance will be videoed and photographed as documentation of the event.   We left at 7:30am to head to Bury with the aim of getting parked up and meeting Craig Allen, the manager of Bury's famous market, at 8:30am in the market offices. Needless to say, we got stuck in traffic, couldn't find the recommended car park, and when eventually we did, the ticket machine next to the car was broken so I made haste to the only other ticket machine which was of course miles away. The wind was blowing and the rain heavy and horizontal. Freezing cold and just about managing to carry all our equipment, we stuggled forward with our heads down and hair blowing in our faces to meet Craig. Despite all the hurdles we were only 10 minutes late. Against all adversity, our first has been a success. We are situated in the centre of the market, outside of the fish and meat hall and right in the middle of all the activity. An excellent location with an endless steam of people passing by and taking interest in why we're dressed in red. We have already recruited two gentlemen named Andrew and David Ballard, brothers, who were extremely enthusiastic about getting involved. They stayed quite as we discussed what would be happening on the day. Another man named Maurice, an artist himself, offered to paint my portrait for £2 and an interesting one it was. We are back in Bury on Friday and are hoping the sun will be shining for us.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 Teresa here after another horrendous day, weather wise that is.  We left home, Dominique without her purse (did she do that on purpose?) and the photographs; me without the tablecloth and with no money whatsoever, so at that point we were penniless but I did remember to bring the pencil sharpener - so not all was doom and gloom!  When we finally arrived, after taking our lives into our hands and aquaplaning to Bury along the motorway, our gazebo was leaking and the table and A board were soaking wet and far from encouraging.  It all seemed a bit bleak to say the least but Craig came to our rescue and moved our table inside the market to a nice warm and cosy spot next to the cooked meat and haberdashery stalls.  I must say it was a far nicer atmosphere compared to the outside stall we occupied on Wednesday.  The stallholders here were far more friendly and even entered into the spirit of our project by wearing Dom's 'magnificent' hat (Jean, the owner of Bury Health Food Store) and a red beret (Pete from Bury Bacon Co Ltd), red, ha ha, which we took along in case the temperature dropped to freezing, which seemed distinctly possible when we embarked on our journey from Chorley.  All in all it proved a much better day than we initially anticipated and we now have a grand total of 12 people from Bury wishing to participate in the 'Red Day Out' to take place on Saturday, 3 October.  ps I do swear I wasn't sloshed today just dazzled by the flash!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 Dominique blogging today as its 'my turn'! We started off the day with bacon barmcakes and cappuccino's at Katsouris whilst admiring all the cakes on display and wondering if its possible all my red clothes might not fit me at the end of the month. After gazing longingly at amaretto biscuits for 10 minutes we headed to our stall to set up for the day. Once organised we began smiling and attempting to make eye contact with the people walking past. Its almost like sitting in the centre of a merry-go-round and when its busy with shoppers it sometimes make you feel sick! We had lots of interest and two ladies are keen on getting involved which is great and means that on our first 3 days on the market we have enlisted 15 people to participate; after 4 weeks who knows how many people we'll have! We had the pleasure of meeting Bob, Bury's town crier and we exchanged conversation about our project and what its like to be a town crier. What a lovely man along with everybody else we've met so far on the market, all very friendly people. He was very happy to have his photograph take outside of Carmina Bags before strolling off to the fish and meat market to shout his announcements. After lunch we spent the remainder of the day handing out more leaflets and creating more interest by just sitting there dressed in red. Most people comment on my red hat which is commonly agreed to be magnificent. Some people even want to try it on! Today, Trisha from Manchester modelled it superbly and it seemed an incentive to participate. On Tuesday we will be setting out to find more wonderful and unique hats which we can paint or dye red and add to our collection.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 Although its been a while since we last updated our blog, it only feels like a day or two. Despite this we have been very busy working our socks off in Bury trying to get volunteers to participate in our 'red day out'. For practical reasons its been a huge challenge getting people on board, the main reason and obstacle being we haven't got our collection of red clothes on site and though people are eager to take part, the difficulty is getting them to come back to Bury on another day to try on suitable clothes which we bring from Chorley. We have a small group of definites on board. We also visited the college on Friday and had a very encouraging meeting with Peter Hague who works for the Arts department. He took us on a guided tour of the the different arts courses including the foundation class, photography and performing arts where he introduced us to the tutors, filling them in on what we're doing and how it would be great to involve them somehow. We are arranging to go back and give a presentation to the students and offer them the opportunity to join in. On Saturday we began working on Chorley market on a large stall (and a kiosk round the corner which we're going to use as a changing room) which didn't take us very long to give a clean up and to display all our red props. We got a very warm welcome from all the market traders, one in particular named Peter who owns a stall with his wife Bev. They sell jewellry and wedding hats and similar accessories. After walking round the market and introducing ourselves to the traders he wandered across with two beautiful red bracelets, one for each of us, which he described as his donation to the project. What a lovely gesture! We had a great day and a very encouraging response from everyone who happened by us that day.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 Its been quite a while since we last posted anything but we have been very busy collecting our two groups of people in Bury and Chorley who will be joining us on our 'red day out'. Our aim was to get 50 people, 25 from each town, and so far we have 35 definites, most of whom are from chorley and a small group from Bury. We were in chilly Chorley today and we have recruited another 5 people, Lisa and Sharon, Jean, Jade and Enid. We sent Lisa and Sharon away each with a red outfit from our collection to try on at home, who are then going to give us a call to confirm they fit and feel confident and comfortable with their choice. Jean is calling back on Tuesday with what odd things she has in red so we can match up what shes lacking with what we have available from our collection. Jade and Enid both have lots of red clothes and accessories and so need no help from us in creating their outfits for the day. In fact Enid, an elderly lady, was positively thrilled at the prospect of dressing in red and promises a real treat of an outfit for us. Very funny lady indeed, good on her! Hopefully we will hit our target of 50 people and if anyone is interested in taking part, feel free to contact either of us by email. dominiqueholt@yahoo.co.uk teresaholt@hotmail.com... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569 Got drenched on the way from the car to our cosy stall (Chorley today) in torrential rain. A big, red umbrella caught our eye immediately, the red being a pattern of bright red strawberries. We swiftly purchased 2 which came to £9, bargain. Jo of Jo's diner nipped out to the shop to get some porridge for us which has become ritual. I take mine with sugar and Teresa (mum) takes hers with honey (always the healthier one). After breakfast we began our usual performance of trying to make eye contact with passers-by, especially those who are wearing red. As always we've had lots of interest and people are thrilled to hear about our project and those who are unable to participate wish us the best of luck with our venture. It really does give us a buzz when their reactions are overflowing with enthusiasm, and although the 'red day out' will be the exhibited work, it is very obvious that our art isn't only about a final performance but an ongoing performance which reaches people on every level and in every walk of life. One chap happened by us and began laughing, 'lost your horse?', he asked. We haven't heard that one before and he didn't hang around long enough for us to ask what he meant. We've had 3 more recruits today though. One is a young man named Ross whose mission is to break into the fashion world in an unconventional approach. He is going to create his own outfit and add a bit of glamour to the day. As time creeps towards the finale we now have almost 40 people so only another 10 to go. Bury on Friday as we're meeting Rebecca to sort out her outfit. We have a lovely dress lined up for her so fingers crossed it fits and she likes it.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/545569