St. Paul’s Church, Ryhope, has announced its Artists in Residence (AiR) for 2024/ 25. For the first time, this includes a young adult category. The AiR scheme, which has been in existence since 2022, aims to use the arts, craft and creativity to help St. Paul’s Church to stay connected with the community it serves. In that time, St. Paul’s has been a venue for exhibitions of work from local people and organisations. Plays have been perform by visiting drama groups, too. St. Paul’s also hosts a weekly community choir which was founded by outgoing AiR musician Tony Bowler. The choir has performed at Beamish Museum and some of the Church’s fundraising fairs. Tony’s colleague, fused glass artist Ken Maynard, has created some beautiful glass panels which will remain in St. Paul’s when his residency finishes at the end of August.. Artist, Isabel Southam, will become the first Young Artists in Residence (YAiR) for 14-17 year olds, having impressed the selection panel with her hand drawn portraits. In the adult category, Jo Nolan will use and improve her skills as a self-taught videographer and creative writer. Additionally, a role has been created for Autumn Shanks who has previously volunteered for the scheme. As a keen artist herself, Autumn will help provide practical help and help promote the work being done by Isabel and Jo. Rev. David Chadwick, vicar of St. Paul’s, said, “I am delighted to welcome Isabel, Jo and Autumn to St. Paul’s Church and am really looking forward to working with them.” Former AiR, Linzi Saunders, now volunteers to help with the day to day running of the scheme. She said, “In the first year, we were not funded so we had to make use of lots of recycled materials. Now, because of fundraising and working in partnership with the LVAC arts organisation, artists will get a bursary and the chance to work with LVAC artists.” Jo Nolan said she is looking forward to the challenge and hopes the experience will help build her self-confidence. She has already been forming ideas for work ahead of the new AiR term which starts on 1 September 2024. Denise Southam, who is Isabel’s Nanna and no.1 fan, summed up her feelings about her granddaughter’s new role. She said, “I am just very proud of her.”Picture: This year’s artists in residence at St. Paul’s Church with its vicar, Rev. David Chadwick. (L to R: Isabel Southam, Rev. Chadwick, Autumn Shanks and Jo Nolan).
On Tuesday 6th August 2024 St Paul's Church hosted an exhibition of local art and music. Music:Duncan Barrass Tony Bowler (Artist in Residence 23-24) Artists:Ken Maynard (Artist in Residence 23-24)Autumn ShanksFrances ByersIsabel Southam [Featured Image}Eli WillisLilly EtheridgeJo Nolan Thanks to:Hopewood ParkRegeneration North EastThe video is available here:YouTube: https://youtu.be/AZN8Lk0b9TY?si=4kdXxmJR9Iz2byZ0
Are there any talented young artists/ musicians/ creatives in your family? St. Paul’s Church is introducing a new Young Artist in Residence scheme.- Applicants must be aged 14 - 17 year olds on 1 September 2024 (the project start date).- To be eligible, applicants must live in an SR2 postcode area.- Residencies last up to 4 months.- Applicants must have permission from their parent/ guardian to participate.Interested? Send us an email on or before 5 August 2024, and we will arrange an informal chat: stpauls.air@gmail.com
Are you interested in arts, crafting or have an artistic hobby?Could you be our next applicant for our 18+ Artist in Residence programme.You must be 18+ and live in the SR2 postcode area to apply.No qualifications or experience needed.If you want to apply, please send us an email at stpauls.air@gmail.com by the 5th August 2024, to express your interest. You will then be invited to an informal chat to introduce your ideas and any examples of your work.Crafters, photographers, writers, painters, printmakers, musicians and more are all very welcome to apply.Email: stpauls.air@gmail.com to apply or ask questions Under 18? For the first time we are running a Young Artist in Residence scheme for 14 - 17 year olds. (See separate post)
