The Gathering Exhibition

City centre shoppers were surprised to find themselves face to face with a life size statue in the middle of Place de Brest over the weekend. They were also invited to write on a second figure their answers to the question ‘why do people gather?’

Organisers were preparing for a fringe art installation coinciding with the final week of British Art Show 7 in Plymouth. Around sixty life-sized figures have been created by community groups, schools and churches under the heading of The Gathering. Ranging from a sex worker to a street pastor, and a rock band to an elderly man reading his Bible, the figures represent the millions of ordinary people whose lives have been impacted by Jesus Christ. The exhibition opens on Tuesday 29th November from 10am at Methodist Central Hall in the first week of Advent, the time in the calendar when Christians prepare for the coming of Christ and the festival of Christmas. The evenings include workshops for children to create a mini gathering of 300 plaster models and talks from local artists.

The idea came from a creative group brought together by local artist Anita Collier. “The British Art Show 7 has really people thinking about how to portray concepts, ideas and beliefs,” she said. “We just wanted to make it possible for individuals and groups to have a go at something creative and at the same time act as a reminder of the central meaning of Christmas.”

For information about The Gathering go to www.armyofartists.co.uk

Last Updated on Tuesday, 29 November 2011 12:28 Written by CTiP Webmaster Tuesday, 29 November 2011 11:56