Free art exhibition: Created by inmates

A new exhibition opened earlier this week at MK gallery, to showcase a selection of artwork from prisoners for the next month.

The theme of the exhibition is 'Transformation'; showing the transformation in the physical sense in terms of how the material has become an art piece, but also in the sense of how getting creative has helped the prisoners improve their lives. The exhibition highlights the positive and important role that education plays in helping to shape and change lives for the better.

The artwork has been produced by Milton Keynes Offender Learning and skills students, from HMP Woodhill, HMP Springhill, HMP Hewell, HMP Sudbury, HMP Bullingdon, HMP Grendon, HMP Huntercombe and HMP Long Lartin.

The exhibition is free, and on the 17th and 24th April it will be manned by MK College Offender Learning staff who will be able to provide further information, detail and background to the work on display. The artwork has also been made into a book.

Come along to MK Gallery this month to have a look at the artwork and find out more.

Social Paint in MK

If you're looking for something different to do for an evening out, Social Paint MK could be just your thing. Not just for the artists out there, Social Paint is a great night out for everyone. It offers a relaxed evening of painting for anyone wanting to get involved, and is held in a bar so you can enjoy a glass (or two) as you paint! There's even food involved, and whether you're looking to do some painting by yourself or want to have a fun evening out with friends or a partner, it'll be a great evening of entertainment, and probably different to what you've done before.

Wednesday 11th February at Loch Fyne in the Hub, Milton Keynes 
This is a Banksy Inspired evening, where you can come for a relaxed evening of painting while you enjoy a glass of wine and a light snack. Ticket holders can also enjoy a 30% discount off a meal before the event (reservations required).

Whether you've painted before and loved it, or have never tried it and always wanted to, it's a great evening of fun and creativity, and whether you come with friends or alone, it'll be a great evening. Why not give it a try?! Events will also be held in the following months, 5th March at the Slug and Lettuce again, 8th March at Giraffe Centre MK and 18th March at Loch Fyne in the Hub.

Upcycling in Olney

We've been following the recycling and upcycling themes throughout the Phonebox magazine and blog over the last few months. You'll have noticed in the last issue of the Phonebox magazine we featured a unique gift shop on Olney high street; 'Afterglow', which you can read about here or see the image below.

Upcycling is a particularly creative idea, but you don't have to necessarily be arty to upcycle. There's nothing wrong with jumping on the bandwagon a bit and 'borrowing' already existing ideas to create something. With a personal touch and different base product to work with, it's unlikely that these upcycling items will ever be the same as another. These sorts of gifts are becoming increasingly popular, particularly for those wanting to find something quirky or different to give as a gift. These items are so unique that they have a real personal feel to them and make a great gift.

Saturday 19th July is the Olney Vintage Fair in the Church Hall, Church Street, and could be the perfect place to spark an interest in vintage and upcycling. Vintage and worn-out items can be the perfect basis for upcycling, items which are otherwise worn out and needing a bit of tlc can be given a new lease of life and made to feel more contemporary. Why not head over to the vintage fair and see if you can grab a bargain and turn it into something new? If you like to be different in your home furnishings, why not paint up a plain chest of drawers into something more unique, or turn a trunk into a coffee table? The possibilities are endless! If you've got a good creative imagination then great, if not then don't panic, have a google and you'll be sure to find endless ideas online, or visit to Olney's local upcycling shop 'Afterglow' and let the creative work be done for you. Upcycling is a great idea and we want to encourage more of you to be getting creative and saving from throwing things away, get involved!