Community Projects

Recent Work:

Poster for En-form to promote Farmers Markets

Poster for HOW campaign

Pop Up Art Wivenhoe: creation of inclusive art events in community settings

Wivenhoe Library: Book & Woof - for children with literacy difficulties to gain confidence by reading aloud to Starry the Story Dog. Parents/carers may also get some advice regarding Dyslexia and other learning challenges.

Welcome Refugees Colchester: fund raising art events

Off the Rails Project at Wivenhoe Station since 2008: mounted 4 exhibitions per year as Artist in Residence and curator (see below0.

Dr Sonja Eisenbeiss: University of Cologne, creation of learning materials for children.


Wivenhoe Museum - helped source exhibits and designed postcard for sale.

Open Studios - Colchester Area. Exhibition mounted. with profits to Welcome Refugees Colchester and Greenland Grove Animal Sanctuary

Open Gardens - Wivenhoe Society: willow, glass sculptures, and illustrations in aid of  charities.

Wivenhoe Neighbourhood Plan: contributed to document on community education and disability issues.


FirstSite: contributed to Open Exhibition and  was People's Selector.

Farmers Market: Designed Poster for relaunch.

Southcott Racing: website creation - content and design.

Dyslexia Assist: consultancy and contributed content material and design for website.

Wivenhoe Pantomime: design and painting of stage sets.

Colne Radio: What Matters interviews

Greenland Grove Animal Sanctuary: website redesign and production of greeting cards and posters for fundraising.

Essex University: 'I am Essex' exhibitor and design of GameEssex.

Winter Gathering at FirstSite: ran workshop for Refugee Action.

Art on the Railings: exhibition in aid of St Mary's.

OFF THE RAILS PROJECT - WIVENHOE STATION

George and Charmaine McKissock shared the running of the voluntary 'Off the Rails' project from 2008 till March 2017. During this time, the project was about local people contributing to the appearance and community feel of their station. So we came up with the idea of showcasing local creative talent in Wivenhoe station.

We believe in encouraging budding artists, writers, craft makers and gardeners to share their work with visitors to the station. We also invite more established writers and artists to contribute to a rolling programme of exhibitions.

There are several parts to the Project to enjoy or contribute to:


In the Ticket Hall:

Words Down the Line

As the seasons change, we publish a free leaflet for you to enjoy reading or contributing to. George selects poetry, prose and illustrations by local writers and artists. The leaflets disappear very quickly and we are always fascinated to hear the journeys they have taken.





Books Down the Line
A bookshelf containing free books for you to borrow on your journey. Bring us some new ones in exchange next time you visit the station.

    

Display Cabinets
Here we display 3D arts & crafts: textiles, collage, mobiles, glass etc.

Platform 1: the Poetry Cabinet
We display a poster featuring an illustrated poem to entertain travellers before their morning commute, or inspire thoughts for the day.

Platform 2: We have 3 large poster-size display cabinets, which are viewable at a distance by passengers waiting on Platform 1 or travellers alighting on Platform 2. These contain prints or original works that are usually linked by some common theme.

 

 

 

Station Master Garden: Transition Town Wivenhoe volunteers plant out seasonal and local fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers, using permaculture techniques. There is a mascot ‘scarecrow’ designed in memory of Wendy the wonderful station cat. The station staff also plant and look after a seasonal display of hanging baskets.

 

George McKissock oversees the project, maintains the free books case, and liaises with Abellio Greater Anglia staff; Sue Dawes is the editor of the free leaflets showcasing writing and illustration; Charmaine McKissock organizes the exhibitions of  visual art, and various volunteers look after the garden. Station staff support the project.

Now you've got an inkling about the different parts of the project below,  but please visit the  'Off the Rails' website to view some wonderful past exhibitions or read how to contribute to the project.