To celebrate the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the North East, the artist Deepa Mann-Kler has produced an art trail of Illuminated Sheep inspired by the themes of the flock, light and pilgrimage derived from the illuminated manuscript.
During October and November NCVA is hosting one of the sheep which will spread across the country From Berwick to Hexham and Haltwhistle to Blyth. The flock have separated creating a number of free art trails across the county.
NCVA’s Ashington HQ was chosen for its prominent position and for ideas for community-based work with businesses and organisations. Our sheep, named Sheepington by pupils at Ashdale, The Dales School, is being used with the help local businesses to encourage locals and visitors to find their inner shepherd, exploring the county’s rich landscape, heritage and culture to #FindTheFlock.
Alongside Sheepington, who is dressed in the Northumberland ‘shepherds’ tartan, NCVA is presenting a display of Ashington past and present. This includes an exhibit of manipulated images from Northumberland’s coal mining heritage which embrace the light theme of the art trail, an exhibit of the community history newspaper ‘A Creeful of Coals’ are also on display and runs in parallel with an exhibition of smart phone photography showcasing the work of four participants on the Bridge Northumberland employability programme.