Ariadne’s Thread, Flowers III | Stanley Picker Gallery

Stanley Picker Gallery will host a unique exhibition of embroideries by adults and children living in the UK and across Europe. More than 280 individuals contributed to the works in the exhibition Flowers III. The community of stitchers was brought together through an integration textile programme, ‘Flowers We Give To Ukraine developed by local curator and founder of Ariadne’s Thread Group, Magdalena Glowacka, following the invasion of Ukraine. The project was launched at Hand & Lock in London on 23 May 2022. This exhibition marks 3 years since the beginning of the first tapestry.

Flowers We Give To Ukraine was initially intended as a participatory needlework programme for local Ukrainian women, including those arriving under the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme. However, it quickly became a broader collaboration with many locals joining in and refugees stitching smaller pieces from across Europe. To help the integration of new arrivals, the Kingston group hosted open events and embroidery workshops for all ages and abilities. Later, Uckfield and Canterbury joined the project, and in total, five tapestries were started in different locations, connecting people across the globe.

A Private View will take place on Wednesday, 21 May from 5pm to 7pm. A participatory needlework session will run on Friday 23 from 12pm to 2pm. Anyone is welcome to join the embroidery table and meet the people involved in the making of the5Flowers.

Biography

Ariadne’s Thread Group are a registered Community Interest Company and provide benefits to adults and children who have limited access to culture, heritage, arts and crafts with particular focus on those displaced by conflicts and those with learning and communication difficulties. Their programme of free activities delivered by experienced and passionate educators supports the national curriculum and development of fine motor skills, coordination as well as communication and social skills. It promotes repair skills and sustainable use of materials.

Ariadne’s Thread’s community integration programme brings people together and offer them a chance to share knowledge, skills, and common interests. This celebration of cultures and traditions promotes inclusion, cohesion, mental health and well-being providing community support and interaction between those who need it the most.