The Fabric of Johnstone: A Celebration of Spontaneity, Creativity, and Community

The Fabric of Johnstone is a joyful exploration of the diverse and vibrant threads that weave together the community, history, and culture of Johnstone through the eyes of ten contemporary artists and makers. This open call for micro residencies, held at Johnstone Textile Space, invited participants from near and far to respond to the theme “the fabric of Johnstone” in any medium or form. With just one day to create, the selected artists worked spontaneously and fearlessly, producing works that capture the essence of Johnstone’s past, present, and future.

Across a range of disciplines, artists such as Chris Duddy (KONSULTANT) explored the town’s sonic landscape, while Nicola Atkinson transformed the gallery’s front window into a vibrant installation of colour and form. India Boxall and Gillian Houlsby delved into the textures of weaving and wool, reflecting the deep textile heritage of the town. Dariusz Kaminski took a dynamic approach to documenting Johnstone’s mills, while Juliet Napier and Hanna Lehtinen used paint and sculpture to translate their own interpretations of the theme. Amy-Louie Palesa Ball and Romi Sarfaty responded in mixed media and illustration, weaving together personal and historical narratives. Kirsty Nicoll examined the mechanics of textile production itself, deconstructing elements of warping, yarn storage, and inspection through a painterly lens.

By embracing the immediacy of a one-day residency, The Fabric of Johnstone open call provided a rare opportunity for artists who might otherwise face barriers to participation—those with part-time jobs, caregiving responsibilities, or other commitments. The project not only showcases their artistic talent but also highlights the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in contemporary arts programming.

This exhibition is both a snapshot of creative expression and a starting point for future dialogues at Johnstone Textile Space. A publication documenting the project will be available for purchase in the gallery shop later this year, ensuring that these artistic conversations continue beyond the walls of the exhibition.This project has been made possible with the generous support of Future Paisley, Creative Scotland, National Lottery, and Renfrewshire Council.