By Damon Cooper, Leeds 2023 correspondent
The juggernaut of Leeds 2023 continues to empower our communities with a calendar of culture to see and embrace from our suburbs right through to the city centre.
I want to take you on a dive into a unique event happening next week at a famous venue and celebrate the interwoven links from West Leeds to the rest of the city.
WAKING THE ARTIST EXHIBITION
Dates: Weds 5th to Sat 8th April
Times: 12pm till 8pm
Location: Wade House, 41 Merrion Street, Leeds, LS2 8NG.
A couple of studio holders, Rosie and Archie, are based at The Assembly in Armley. They have been working on beautifying this week’s ‘Waking the Artist Exhibition’ taking place over two floors of disused office spaces at the Merrion Centre.
Rosie Vohra has produced large-scale blocking on the floor, collarged poetry, photos, and illustrations. She has also created incredible lettering and helped with the decor for this event.
Archie Brooks has created an installation of old TVs that will feature media/film footage provided by the public in the style of old VHS home videos.
“Both are extremely talented artists in their own right, and we have been extremely lucky to have them amongst our deeply talented team,” Sammy Gooch, co-curator of Waking the Artist Exhibition, told WLD.
In another West Leeds link, materials to make mushroom bases have been sourced from Scrap Creative Reuse Arts Project Ltd, at Sunnybank Mills in Farsley.
Photographer, set designer, film-maker and art director Camille Hewitt adds: “We have split the artworks into different themes to allow us to really highlight them in the best way.
“Visitors will be able to check out the Wall of Self – full of selfies and portraits; explore an immersive landscape of animals and magical creatures and leaf through a Book of Love, where there will be examples of poetry and drawings.
“We hope that those whose submissions have been included enjoy seeing their entries here and that all visitors enjoy spending some time in the exhibition, making themselves at home in this celebration of creativity from across the city.”
It will showcase 215+ curated artworks from residents of Leeds based on the themes of love, nature, self and more for visitors to marble at in all its glory!
A pop-up bottle bar will be open during the show to encourage visitors to linger and watch the sun set amidst 360 degree views of the Leeds skyline. We never got the second DoubleTree by Hilton Sky Lounge in this part of town but you’ll get to enjoy this at much more affordable rate with no obligation to pay for anything!
This free and family friendly happening will take place everyday on Wednesday 5 to Saturday 8 April from 12 noon until 8pm.
Blink and you’ll miss it, so get yourselves down for something totally unique.
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