Feedback

I have asked some interested parties to give me some comments on how they think the exhibition has gone so far. I emailed members of the Moseley Society, the Local History Group and Moseley in Bloom with the following request:

"As I'm coming to the end of my MA, although I intend to carry on with the idea, I am writing an evaluation of the work done so far. I wonder if you could spare a few minutes to give me some feedback on how you feel the project has gone so far? Please don't feel you have to be polite, honest opinions are of much more use. I would particularly like to know if you believe there has been any benefit to the community and what the longer term impact of the project could be."

So far I have received the following feedback:

"Having your exhibition and project at the Dovecote has proved a real bonus. Initially I was cautious about the viability of the venture,using the Cow House as a gallery,but I could not have been more wrong. You, your visitors (your "public"), the gardeners etc., have all melded together well, and new associations have been formed. The Cow House, with its own historical connections has provided a fitting back-drop for your etchings, both pictorially and by themes. People love stories,and whether they had an experience to relate or were reading other people's memories, have found the exhibition fascinating. The etchings themselves have aroused much interest, both for the quality of the art work ,and the the complexity of the etching process itself.

I'm sure there are many more memories out there! I certainly think it's worth continuing the project through the Local History Group, the Exchange or through your efforts. Have you considered liaising with one of our local residential care homes, and running a project there?"

Helen Minovi  The Moseley Society

"-Your interpretation of the stories stimulates the imagination in the same
way that black and white photography encourages much more imagination than
colour. Your work has made a lasting impression on me - even though I've known
Verity for years, I now feel as though I know much more about her thanks to
your interpretation of her story.

Having your display of objects alongside your art has been a wonderful
addition to the dovecote and cow house this summer. Hope you won't find too
many spiders have set up home and want to go away with you when you remove
the exhibition.

Thank you - it's been a splendid addition to so many of our events this
summer"

Fiona Adams  The Moseley Society

"I would like to say how much I appreciate Sarah's work recording and illustrating residents stories about Moseley life. We all hear too much these days about celebrities including celebrity artists, and not enough about our own neighbours and communities. It was very good to celebrate a historic building and make it a focus for a community art project. Personally I found Sarah to be hardworking and positive about every aspect. Thank you for leaving the Cowhouse in a better state than you found it."

John Newson  Moseley Society member

"Thank you so much for choosing to illustrate my short memory of one afternoon at the end of the war - probably 1943. You have caught the air of menace from the gang of children. the pathos of children who did not know how to play with a normal part of modern childhood.

Your skill and insight have enhanced this summer for me. It was most enjoyable to spend time at the Cow House talking to visitors about your exhibition. I hope that you will not mind if I mention that when people come into the room their eyes slid round the exhibits and usually failed to connect - unless someone drew their attention to the details and method used. Then they became quite animated and often took part in the process."

Verity Montague-Smith  Local History Group