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A Jersey artist with Aspergers has shared her delight at being selected from 16,000 entries to exhibit at the Royal Academy – and having her work snapped up on the first day the exhibition opened.
Every Friday, Express presents a selection of online and offline exhibitions, performances, workshops, events and other historic, creative and delicious content to help islanders get their weekly dose of culture.
Here's this week's offering...
Art beyond Aspergers
Jersey’s Juliet St. John Nicolle was delighted earlier this year when her work selected from more than 16,000 entries to be shown alongside leading artists and up-and-coming talent at the prestigious Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2021.
Entitled ‘Art Beyond Aspergers, Head 1: Living in Two Worlds at Once’, her work was handpicked by a panel including renowned artist Yinka Shoni Bare under the theme ‘Reclaiming Magic’ and was sold on the first day the exhibition opened in September.
Looking back on the experience, as the exhibition enters its final stretch to 2 January, she explained: “It’s something that I never thought possible, as I have no formal arts training. I felt very privileged to be selected – an oyster moment for me. I’m an artist in my own right who happens to have autism and its challenges.
“They have not looked at my autism, but they have looked at the merit of my work. I was judged in the mainstream. I hope this launches my art on a far wider scale and touches more inner souls as they view my artwork. I hope it gets humans thinking outside the box.”
Juliet previously spoke to Express in-depth about her work and you can read that interview HERE.
In a previous edition of Art Fix, we shared details of a cosy and creative contest to get young islanders designing their dream Christmas jumpers to be in with a chance of seeing them created on gingerbread in real life.
Set for kids up to the age of 11 by Brand Champions, the brief was to create a dazzling sweater celebrating the positive aspects of the year – whether COP26 or a more personal moment.
Fiona Wylie, judge and Brand Champions Founder, said the job of deciding the winners was a tricky one. “We couldn’t believe the number of entries we received and the standard of the wonderful designs,” she said.
But after careful consideration, three primary school pupils were crowned at a ceremony at Liberty Wharf last week.
Violet Bartlett-Hazley (7) scooped first prize, while Darcey Boylan (10) and Lucas Lagadu (7) were named runners up.
All three designs were made into gingerbread people and presented to the talented youngsters, along with a selection of other goodies.
“I am delighted that our objectives have been achieved – we spread Christmas cheer while also encouraging youngsters to think about what has been great about a year which has been so challenging on so many fronts,” Ms Wylie added.
Family Nursing and Home Care finally got to ‘unwrap’ last year’s Christmas gift from Jersey Electricity when the charity officially unveiled a mural at its Pip’s Place children’s community centre last week.
Depicting tigers, seals and dolphins in stunning detail, the mural was created by Jersey artist Stephan Newington using a freehand airbrush technique over a two-month period.
"Pre-covid we were supporting over 7,000 children and young people through the many groups and health services we provide here. You can imagine what this wall and space must look and feel like for young children who have been couped up in apartments during the pandemic," explained Michelle Cumming, FNHC's Operations Director.
CEO Rosemarie Finley added: "Pip’s Place is a brilliant resource for the children of Jersey where there is such a need in St. Helier. It’s so welcoming and warming for the children where they feel safe, secure and can flourish. This mural brings it all to life and we thank our sponsors."
JEC says this year's present will be to help enhance the outside area by filling it with plants - a gift that should be opened in spring.
It’s #Christmas Eve so why not learn a little festive Jèrriais? Watch this short film and practise your ‘Sonne les clioches’ in time for Papa Noué tonight!
— Jersey Heritage (@loveheritage) December 24, 2021
BOUAN NOUÉ from all the team at Jersey Heritage. #HeritageChristmas @Le_Jerriais pic.twitter.com/DmWihB8Z7i
If you find yourself twiddling your thumbs while waiting for the turkey to cook, why not use the time to learn a couple of Christmassy Jerriais phrases?
— Jersey Premier Brass (@JsyPremierBrass) December 20, 2021
Is there anything more festive than the sound of wind? No, not that kind... Jersey Premier Brass recently performed at the Town Hall and have shared this brilliant clip online so anyone who didn't attend can enjoy their tooting too.
Jersey College for Girls hosts an annual 'Top of the Pops' dance contest every year, which sees students get creative with their moves in order to impress a panel of judges.
This year's winners in both the junior and senior category were Austen Bartlett house.
You can watch the juniors' routine above and the seniors' here...
Get away from the leftovers, #Christmas TV and sweeping up pine needles! Jersey Museum, Maritime Museum, Hamptonne and Mont Orgueil are ALL open as normal this festive season. The sites close on 24/ 25/26 Dec and 31 Dec but open in between. @VisitJerseyCI #HeritageChristmas pic.twitter.com/pZkE8RYLET
— Jersey Heritage (@loveheritage) December 14, 2021
Fancy something different instead of the usual festive family walk? Jersey Heritage's sites are all open as normal between 27 and 30 December.
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