seam collective have had the most wonderful two years with A Visible THREAD tour, we are filled with deep gratitude for the six incredible venues that opened their doors to us. The opportunity to showcase our artists’ work in such unique and inspiring spaces is something we don’t take for granted, and we are incredibly thankful for each venue’s hospitality.

Throughout this journey, we collect anonymous feedback from our artists to ensure that we can create honest dialogue about our work. So that we can continuously improve and foster a supportive environment through creative reflection. We wanted to share a few of these comments, expressing how impactful each venue has been, not only for the development of our artists work but also in shaping their creative journeys.

ACEarts, Somerton
26 November – 24 December 2022

Our artists, who are at different stages in their careers, have all gained something unique from each venue. These experiences have allowed them to grow, experiment, and reflect on their practices in ways they hadn’t before.

One artist noted how the feedback and collaboration impacted their journey:

Feedback for new work from seam members and the public: Practical advice on installing this type of work—working collaboratively. Improving confidence to exhibit work I have been quiet about for a number of years.

This reflection speaks to the power of community in building confidence and pushing creative boundaries. It highlights how valuable collaboration is, not just in practical terms but in giving artists the reassurance to share work that has been kept private for years.

The ability to experiment with new formats and settings also played a key role:

The opportunity to test an installation and see how the work could be presented in a white cube environment. The opportunity to see what other members have created and learn from their individual processes.

Learning from each other’s approaches and seeing their work in a professional gallery space gave many artists new perspectives on presentation and the potential evolution of their installations.

For some, working in a group with different artists was a stimulating experience:

The opportunity to work alongside and exhibit with a new, diverse group was really stimulating. And it provided an opportunity to try out new work that I would not have considered without this theme and group.

Being part of A Visible THREAD doesn’t just provide an exhibition opportunity—it creates an environment where artists can push the limits of their work by interacting with fresh themes and concepts.

As the tour continues, there’s a shared sense of anticipation:

I’m looking forward to being part of the exhibition in the different venues as it tours, and the possibility of other members exhibiting too. I find it very motivating—to work with the collective, to make new work, and to show new work to the public.

This momentum carries from venue to venue, and the excitement of being part of something larger than one’s individual practice adds fuel to the creative fire.

Additionally, a reflection on sustainability and how it challenges, but ultimately refines, an artist’s practice:

Sustainability is such a complex area, and having this as part of A Visible THREAD throws up challenges and questions about my own practice and how I address it as a positive rather than possibly a compromise on materials.

This comment reveals the thought-provoking nature of the tour’s themes, encouraging artists to dig deeper into their processes, particularly in relation to materials and sustainability. The group have collectively inspired each other through this process.

One seam member summed up beautifully:

It’s been fabulous to experiment and push myself, helped me focus on the direction of my work. The opportunity to drill down into what my work is for, to focus and not feel the pressure of making work that sells.

This is what A Visible THREAD is all about—creating space for experimentation and deep reflection, allowing artists to discover new layers of meaning in their work without the constraints of commercial pressures.

Fine Foundation Gallery, Swanage
16 May – 7 June 2023

There’s something uniquely special about exhibiting along a gorgeous coastline like that of Swanage. This beautiful, serene setting brought a new level of inspiration to all our artists.

A seam member said:

The opportunity to exhibit on a seafront and stay over at the site was the most significant part!

When asked whether the exhibition impacted their creativity and ambition, another artist reflected:

Yes. Durlston’s holistic, all-embracing attitude to place, nature, art, and people was so encompassing that it reminded me these boundaries or classifications don’t fit my work. I consider myself an artist interested in science, a teacher interested in nature, an environmentalist interested in people and creativity. I’d love to develop a body of work there, making direct visual and physical responses to the different habitats within the country park.

Black Swan Arts, Frome
16 September – 29 October 2023

Black Swan Arts gave our artists the chance to push their boundaries and explore new creative ideas.

One artist remarked:

I was glad to have the exhibition opening at Black Swan Arts as an external motivator to make new work. I enjoyed having the opportunity to trial various installations of my new knitted sculpture.

Someone else, who was exhibiting with the seam collective for the first time, shared:

It was my first time exhibiting with seam collective. I gained the opportunity to have my work shown alongside other artists working with textiles.

For many, this space provided an invaluable opportunity for critical reflection and growth:

Art is a conversation within yourself, but when the subject matter empowers conversations beyond the maker’s space and the gallery walls, it is as vital as breath itself.

The Wirth Gallery, Sherborne Girls School, Sherborne, 6 – 27 January 2024

The Wirth Gallery provided a perfect setting for bold, ambitious work that pushed our artists’ limits.

A seam member expressed gratitude for the opportunity to experiment with larger pieces:

I had the opportunity to hang some large pieces of work. This isn’t always possible due to gallery size constraints.

Another was excited to trial an interactive installation:

I was glad to have space to trial a self-regulating, participatory installation. I was interested to see whether visitors would still engage without my presence. The space transformed over time, even though there were relatively few visitors.

This venue’s extended exhibition period also allowed for a dynamic experience:

Seeing the installation being transformed over time, in my absence, was thrilling. Having feedback validates what I’m doing and always stimulates more ideas. It makes me want to make more work like this.

Llantarnam Grange, Cwmbran
17 February – 4 May 2024

Llantarnam Grange not only provided a fantastic venue but also helped our artists develop new skills, including project management.

As one seam member commented:

I gained essential experience project managing the show. Whilst working freelance as an artist for nine years, this was my first opportunity to manage a show. This wouldn’t have happened without A Visible THREAD, seam, and the wonderful communications with Llantarnam Grange.

Another artist shared how this tour allowed them to push their creative practice:

Yes, the A Visible THREAD tour gave the opportunity to show new work and develop ideas throughout the year. Responding to different venues and their spaces has been a rewarding challenge.

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Honiton
20 July – 31 August 2024

Thelma Hulbert Gallery was the ideal venue to showcase more ambitious works, with its large, welcoming spaces allowing our artists to dream big.

One artist said:

The opportunity to show larger works in a super space. This venue was really well suited to our mixed work, and the team was very supportive and open.

Another expressed gratitude for the room to experiment:

This was the first gallery space where I had the room and the help to experiment with my new work. I am truly grateful for this experience.

Someone else shared how the venue helped evolve their practice:

Having the opportunity to develop new work which evolved from a previous part of the tour has led to new partnerships and commissions. Thank you!

Thank you!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the curators, invigilators, managers, and volunteers at each of these incredible venues. Without your dedication and hard work, our tour would not have been possible. Your efforts, attention to detail, and commitment to supporting our artists have been invaluable, helping to make A Visible THREAD’s tour a reality. Thank you for making this journey as special as it has been.

We would also like to thank all the audience members who took the time to come to see our work, sometimes travelling quite long distances. We all really loved your thoughtful comments, shares on Instagram, enjoyment interacting with the work and playful participation.

We are very grateful to be supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, Project Grants, which have enabled us to tour to our hosting venues.

Thank you again to The Holburne Museum for selecting us and giving us the time, space and opportunities in Spring 2022, that were invaluable for developing our ideas for A Visible THREAD tour, working alongside one another, collaborating, connecting with the public and experimenting with ways to make thread more visible in the world of fine art.

With gratitude to you all,
seam collective

Thank you to Lou Baker for the photography and videography.