Cream of contemporary crafts at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum

Craftspace's recurring, touring exhibition of contemporary craft and applied art from the Midlands visits the Little Elborow Street venue from Saturday (20 January).

The eighth in the series, Made in the Middle provides a great opportunity to purchase and commission work from some of the best makers in the Midlands. 

Developed in partnership with Coventry's Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, this Made in the Middle exhibition forms part of Craftspace’s 30th anniversary programme.

Featuring both recent graduates and makers with established reputations, visitors can explore a wealth of creativity, including ceramics, jewellery, metalwork and textiles.  

Selected by an expert panel through open entry, 28 makers offer an insight into the skill, creativity and innovative practice within the Midlands. 

Exhibitors include jeweller Dauvit Alexander, who creates striking jewellery from found materials and precious gemstones, and Aimee Bollu, who also takes inspiration from found items which she combines with beautiful, minimal ceramic vessels.

John Grayson uses traditional metal forming and enamel decorating processes to create whimsical, humorous and decorative metal objects, while Karina Thompson pushes the boundaries of digital embroidery.

Made in the Middle runs at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum from Saturday 20 January to Saturday 10 March.

A preview takes place from 6pm to 8pm on Friday (19 January), where visitors can meet some of the artists who have contributed works to the exhibition.

Cllr Heather Timms, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for growth and investment, said: "Rugby Art Gallery and Museum has a rich and varied programme for 2018 and we're delighted to welcome Craftspace's celebration of contemporary craft in the Midlands to start the year."

For more information on exhibitions and events at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, visit www.ragm.co.uk 

A new website celebrating 30 years of Made in the Middle has recently launched at www.madeinthemiddle.org  

The online exhibition features 30 makers from almost 250 who have exhibited during the 30 year history of the exhibition and draws on the wealth of resources created to tell the story of Made in the Middle from 1988 to the present. 

Made in the Middle is a partnership between Craftspace and the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in collaboration with The National Centre for Craft and Design. 

Photo caption: Spook by Tim Boswell. (Photograph by Daren Weed)