The outstanding success of the Thirteen Hands touring exhibition of contemporary crafts has led to the tour being extended until December 2004.

The most unusual thing about this exhibition is that it was curated by a group of children from Caol Primary School in Fort William. The children selected 34 makers to take part, creating an exhibition which mixes new makers alongside some of Britain’s top contemporary designers. They also made all the decisions to do with the exhibition from the colour of the plinths to producing the catalogue.

The exhibition includes work by Bob Crooks, Richard Slee, Mhairi Corr, Karin Muhlert, Angus Clyne, Jack Cunningham, Nora Fok, Dot Sim, Andy Hazell, Louise Baldwin, Freddie Robins, Kirsten Burke, Lucy Casson, Paul Topen, Dail Behennah and Faith Shannon. For a full list of exhibitors visit their website at www.caolcrafts.com

In a review in Crafts magazine Phillipa Swann wrote:
..many professional curators and art administrators would do well to visit this show and pick up some tips. See it and be inspired.’

The exhibition can be seen at:

Mansefield House, Nottingham 16 March- 29 May 2004
Highland Council Head Office/ Inverness Airport June/July 2004
Corran Halls, Oban 27August -13 Sept 2004
Maclaurin Galleries, Rozelle House, Ayr mid Oct - mid Dec 2004

Workshops will be run at the majority of these venues - please check with the venue for further information.

As a result of this project an ambitious new crafts initiative is being launched in Highland schools in 2004.

The 13 Hands exhibition was funded by the Education, Culture and Sport Department of Highland Council and the Scottish Arts Council.

Click here to see our showcase feature on the 13 Hands Exhibition.