JAM is a new independent artist’s studio, which will be opening in January 2005 in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. The studio is positioned in the beautiful Lews Castle grounds, up a leafy lane and provides the perfect atmosphere for the production of work.

It is hoped that the studios will evolve to support the artistic community of Lewis and Harris in the broadest possible way.  The founder of the studios has many years experience in fine art tutoring at further education level and so the focus initially is on providing exciting and innovative fine art courses for adults.

Later in the autumn, advertising will begin for a Fine Art Portfolio Course to be run at the studios. The course will begin in January 2005 and will run for two part-time terms. The aims of the course will be to:

• Encourage students to look carefully and critically
• Teach skills and give opportunities to explore new materials
• Help to develop relationships to the visual world and the ability to communicate through it as a fine artist
• Encourage critical reflection and promote discussion with reference to art history and contemporary art practice
• Build confidence and release creativity

This course will give students a solid introduction to art, which will enable them to make decisions about future formal courses such as those provided by Taigh Chearsabhagh in Lochmaddy, or give them confidence to continue making art on their own at home. Each student would complete the course with a lively and varied portfolio of work demonstrating a range of skills, and be able to talk about their work in a confident and informed way.

It is planned that artists will be brought in to work with students for the sculpture and video art modules of the course.

Residential courses, short courses, evening classes and studio space for artists are all being planned.

The studios have received a great deal of support and advice from David Green, Principal of Lews Castle College.  His interest and enthusiasm for the arts and his experience of further education provision have been crucial to the success of the project. JAM would also like to thank Fiona Pearson at Taigh Chearsabhagh and Meg Rodger at the Comhairle in Benbecula.

Western Isles Council have recently appointed Meg Rodger as Arts Development Officer for the Western Isles and she is currently working on developing an arts strategy and carrying out an impact study for current arts provision.  Meg has been supportive and will be watching the early stages of developing the studios and JAM will be watching the outcome of her work with interest. It is hoped that JAM will make a significant contribution to helping the council fulfill its cultural strategy when it is in place.

If you are interested in finding out more about JAM Studios and the portfolio course for 2005, please contact Emma Drye at JAM Studios on 01851 643261, via email at emma.drye@virgin.net or via her website www.emma-drye.co.uk