Modern Makers 2022

Modern Makers is a programme which allows a small group of young people to learn craft skills from established makers.

This year participants are working collaboratively on a group project, experiencing hands-on learning with skilled woodworker, Mark Zygadlo.

The participants are working closely with Mark in the design and fabrication of a bespoke treehouse, to be sited within a local woodland. The project is running from January – July 2022.

Mark Zygadlo is a well-established professional artist and maker based in D&G whose work over the past ten years has focused on creating large scale, kinetic, public artworks using rivers, waterways and water as a platform or an integral part of the work. Alongside this artistic and environmental focus he previously ran a cabinet making business and also worked as a boat builder/restorer and a timber building framer. Mark has successfully delivered a public art work with Upland as part of Spring Fling 2019 and been a mentor on the 2020 Emerge bursary programme.

During the project participants will experience a whole commission process from conception to completion. They will participate in dealing with clients, contributing to a group design concept, translating that into its component parts, learn about basic structures, jointing design, and gain hands-on workshop experience, including teamwork, safety at work and good workshop practice. It will be an introduction to the way that craftspeople and artists work to commission.

The group will also be taking part in our Modern Makers exhibition at Gracefield Arts Centre from 14th May - 25th June.