About
What is SAW?
Shieldfield Art Works (SAW) is a project of the Methodist Church in Newcastle upon Tyne which is seeking the good of the city through creative practice.
We are a team of artists who support others to be creative, and use our creativity to support others. We believe that the arts help us to articulate what it is to be human and that arts participation enables joy and flourishing in unique and unexpected ways.
We are blessed with a gallery, workshop room and garden on our site in Shieldfield and so try to organise ways for these assets to be a blessing to our local community.
What happens at SAW
Exhibitions
A programme of exhibitions in our gallery that changes throughout the year
Shieldfield Grows
Gardening sessions (Shieldfield Grows) every week, with a pause in winter
Painting For Fun
Three sessions of of our community painting class each week
SAW Reflects
Semi-regular events which provide time and space for deep thinking and conversation
SAW Community Garden
Our community garden is open to visitors all year round.
Craft Action Collective
Fortnightly workshop of craft and gentle activism.
Our building and garden are also available to hire which helps to sustain our work; you can also give to SAW to keep us going (we are dependent on grants and donations).
What Motivates SAW?
As a Christian organisation we believe each and every person has inherent worth, bearing the image of our creator. This motivates us to listen to and seek out those whose stories may not be being heard, so that we may better understand and love those around us.
We are particularly committed to our area of Newcastle, Shieldfield, just east of the city centre. We devise and commission art projects that tell Shieldfield’s story, and consider how stories from our local area relate to life outside of Shieldfield. In attempting to reflect a God who is interested in all areas of life, we are interested in the micro to the macro – art that speaks truths about the human condition, to art which speaks to the condition of our planet, and everything in between.
Our Values
Hospitality – We seek to make our space and activities open to all; we believe in offering sincere and abundant welcome to all people, particularly those who may not have experienced such a welcome in an arts and/or faith setting before. We give space for conversations, different perspectives and encounters covering all aspects of life.
Art & Enquiry – We use art as a way to enquire about life, believing that art has a unique ability to communicate lived experience and imagine new futures. We believe that access to art and making opportunities support good mental health, understanding that art is powerful – it can function as a tool for activism, provide moments of awe and encounters with beauty, increase understanding and empathy.
Community Activism – Through the use of art and enquiry, we seek positive change for the welfare of the city, its community and individual inhabitants. We are particularly interested in collaborating locally to enable flourishing in our area of Shieldfield, in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Rest & Rhythm – As we work to live out these values, we also try to maintain a rhythm of care and rest for others and ourselves. We do this to enable us to focus on actions of quality and empathy, rather than actions of mass production, and to enable ourselves and our collaborators to live life to the fullest. We embrace the fact this will sometimes limit our productivity.
Our Vision for the Future
- Increased access to the arts, and through arts participation, an increase in connection, personal confidence, and positive mental wellbeing.
- The flourishing of our local area of Shieldfield, where injustice is challenged and voices previously unheard are raised up.
- New spaces created where ideas of purpose, meaning, faith and theology are accessible and can be explored by all.
- A culture of deep reflection and true rest.
- Encounters with awe, wonder, beauty and joy are possible every day.
- A passion for seeking justice and a rooted engagement with the issues hindering it.
- Mutual sharing of knowledge to inspire and provide practical support.
- A net-zero green building for SAW which is fully accessible.
- Long-term, sustainable funding for SAW.
Our Team
Lydia Hiorns
DirectorI lead SAW; set our direction; invest in our artists, communities and partners; and help us to rest and reflect.
Lorna Bryan
Development ManagerI work on SAW’s fundraising applications, consider how we evaluate our work, and lead the SAW Reflects programme of activity.
Gemma Herries
Programme ManagerI support management and development of the SAW programme, coordinate all work we do with emerging artists and students, and lead Craft Action Collective. I also oversee all hires and liaise with hirers.
Benji Spence
Communications OfficerI’m in charge of social media and communications planning at SAW.
Kim Fewell
Painting for Fun LeadI took up painting when retired as a GP. I stopped working as a doctor because I was burnt out, and because I experienced so much healing from being creative, I wanted to start a class where others could be helped through painting.
Juno
Painting for Fun Therapy DogI attend Painting for Fun every week with my owner Kim. Even people who don’t like dogs have been known to enjoy my calm and perceptive company.
Chris Fu On Leung
Finance OfficerI manage the SAW accounts and bookkeeping.
Rev. Alison Wilkinson
Methodist Minister and SAW Team CheerleaderI offer oversight, support and guidance to the SAW team.
Adam Wilkinson
Community PastorI work across SAW and the Methodist Church to build bridges between different communities.