'This Do'- An 'Engaging Art' exhibition

Belfast Buildings Trust and Vault Artist Studios are proud to announce the third instalment of ‘Engaging Art’, in Carlisle Memorial between 5th-8th September. This ‘Engaging Art’ exhibition features work from Vault artist Ali Fell, who will fill the landmark building with thousands of crochet forget-me-not flowers.

With over one thousand crochet flowers already made, Ali has enlisted makers from across the region to contribute a flower to ‘This Do’, including collaborator Anita Murphy. Crafters old and new, young and old (ages 5 to 86!) have contributed to the exhibition, made privately in their homes, in groups and in public workshops. Each flower represents a unique and deeply personal story, with memories of loved ones and beloved places tied into every stitch.

All flowers will be displayed in Carlisle Memorial Church between the 5th-8th of September, when visitors will be encouraged to bring their own crochet flowers as the exhibition grows and cultivates over the weekend.

‘This Do’ responds to Carlisle Memorial Church as being an important place for people’s memories for nearly 150 years; marking their beginnings, endings, loves and losses. Historic buildings hold a special power in helping us to recall memories from our past. And now, Ali’s exhibition prompts us to ask how we should honour these memories as we reimagine Carlisle Memorial for future use.

‘This Do’ uses the forget-me-not as a symbol of memory, this relationship has been brought into public consciousness by Alzheimer’s Society. That’s why we are delighted to be working with Alzheimer's Society in Belfast on the exhibition, including creating flowers at their offices. Following the exhibition’s closure, the flowers will be donated to Alzheimer’s Society where they will brighten up a range of dementia care settings and support service activities.

Join us at Carlisle Memorial for this very special Engaging Art exhibition, in memory of loved ones and places.

‘This Do’ is FREE to visit and open at Carlisle Memorial during the following:

• Thursday 5th September May: 5:30pm-9:30pm (including a drinks reception 6-8pm).
• Friday 6th September: 11am-5pm.
• Saturday 7th September: 11am-5pm.
• Sunday 8th September: 11am-4pm.

Refreshments and opportunities to share your memories available throughout the exhibition.