Following COVID restrictions, when we could no longer meet face to face, the group members continued to produce art, working independently following their own inspirations and processes. Zoom sessions and a WhatsApp group made it possible for us to keep in touch and to share our artwork, ideas and inspirations: and give each other support. While the Art Studio began again with online sessions in November, creating opportunities for the members to hone their skills and tackle new techniques, the Zoom sessions and WhatsApp have remained a valuable way continue to share ideas.

 The work in the exhibition covers a wide range of art styles, techniques and processes from drawing and painting, printmaking, needlework and ceramics. You can view the online gallery HERE

 I hope you enjoy looking at the work and it inspires you to pick up a pencil or paintbrush. We would love to hear about and see any of your own work and in the future, we may have more exhibitions in which you could take part.

Would you like to support Explore?

The Explore programme is run by the Joseph Cowen Lifelong Learning Centre (registered charity 1174080) - DONATE to the charity here.

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Bringing together an exhibition of the work of the Explore art group seems, in retrospect, the obvious thing to do: a kind of culmination of Margaret's involvement with Explore art and ambition for the art group. Something normal at a time when normal is busy redefining itself. The group have had exhibitions in the past in Commercial Union House and ‘For The Love of The North’s’ shop in Whitley Bay. However, this online exhibition has just as much relevance.