Friday 29th February 2008
(ref:
WLCT 22/2008)
Leigh’s cultural gem, The Turnpike Gallery, is living proof that the town has a unquenchable thirst for art.
Figures released today, ahead of the Turnpike’s annual ‘Open’ exhibition for local artists, show that visitor numbers are up by nine per cent compared to the financial year 2006/07. Last summer the gallery also hosted its most visited exhibition for 15 years ‘Lumia Domestica’.
Visitors hailing from as far a field as Crewe, Carlisle, London and even San Francisco have witnessed a bumper year for the gallery which has included exhibitions as diverse as ‘Khel Toys of India’, ‘Topographica’, ‘Unbound’ and David Hockney’s ‘Grimm’s Fairy Tales’.
Highlights of another successful year for the Turnpike include:
- 12,000 people visited exhibitions;
- 1,400 local school children participated in workshops;
- 1,000 members of the public took part in workshops;
- 200 local people exhibited in the exhibitions programme;
- 200 people enjoyed the Leigh heritage film showings;
- 40 local artists have been employed;
- 50 local artists, volunteers and teachers have taken part in training opportunities;
- and visitor satisfaction levels were over 95 per cent.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Visual Arts Officer Martyn Lucas said:
“We have enjoyed another fulfilling and exciting year at the Turnpike Gallery. Our doors are open to all visitors and we work hard to ensure that the exhibitions appeal to all. There really has been something for everyone over the last year. The next exhibition, 'Open', is an opportunity for people to discover local talent. Anyone is invited to exhibit and everyone is welcome to visit.”
Talented artists from across the Wigan Borough have a unique opportunity to see their work on display in the borough’s largest public art gallery. ‘Leigh and Wigan Artists Open’ is a celebration of the best local artists opening on Saturday 15th March.
The gallery invited local amateur and professional artists to submit an artwork or hand crafted object to be included in the exhibition. This year a special section for children and young people has been added and promises to include inspiring art from the borough’s youngest creative talents.
Turnpike Gallery Co-ordinator Louise Clennell said:
“Open is a popular exhibition with visitors and exhibitors alike. We attract work from a whole range of media including painting, sculpture, film, photography, textiles and jewellery. It also includes traditional and non-traditional, figurative and abstract works.
“One of the key areas of our work is to encourage local talent to further develop their skills. We are overflowing with artists in the borough. Hopefully by providing a platform for their talent we can motivate them to continue to produce such excellent work.”
‘Leigh and Wigan Artists Open’ opens on Saturday 15th March at a special free preview starting at 12pm; everyone is welcome to attend. The exhibition runs through to Saturday 26th April.
A number of workshops for adults and children have been programmed to complement the exhibition including a series of Easter holiday activity sessions for children. In collaboration with the Words ’08 Literary Festival, the gallery will host a beginner’s calligraphy workshop for adults led by local artist Brian Whitmore and an exhibition of sculptural forms made from recycled books by Hannah Lobley.
For further information about ‘Open’ and the accompanying activities programme contact the gallery on 01942 404469, visit www.wlct.org/turnpike or email turnpike@wlct.org.
