Young photographers’ exhibition and workshops in Ellesmere Port Library

Celebration event: 26 October 4.30 – 6.30 pm

Open Eye Gallery and Ellesmere Port Library are proud to announce the opening of a photography exhibition and responsive project, Community. It is a celebration of unity and shared creativity that brings together the artistic talents of Whitby High School’s ‘People and Place’ and the work of Hinderton Primary Special School, in collaboration with Open Eye Gallery’s Creative Producer and Photographer for schools and young people, Anna Wijnhoven. 

The project emphasises the rich tapestry of the local Ellesmere Port community and highlights the diverse and vibrant stories that make it truly special.

Community features a selection of works from ‘People and Places’, an exhibition involving thirteen students from Whitby High School, which opened at Open Eye Gallery in April 2023. People and Places was inspired by Craig Easton’s solo touring show Craig Easton: Is Anybody Listening? , commissioned by the University of Salford Art Collection, and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

As part of the Community project and exhibition, there will be monthly responsive workshops run by Creative Producer and Photographer Anna Wijnhoven, for any Ellesmere Port community members who would like to engage with the work on display. From cyanotypes to photowalks, collage and Christmas card making workshops, ‘you can come and have a natter, get creative and maybe learn something new, all in your local community library’, said Anna Wijnhoven.

Workshop dates: 6 November, 4 December, 8 December (cyanotype Christmas card workshop), 8 January, 5 February, 11 March. All workshops are happening from 11 am – 1 pm. A sign-up sheet will be available at the library. Please note that the workshop numbers are limited.  

To register interest in workshops: forms.gle/

Carole Christian, Hinderton Primary School Assistant Head Teacher, said: ‘The results were amazing, and the pupils felt a real sense of achievement and enjoyed the creative process. We are looking forward to their work being exhibited in the local community so that the children can see their own work being celebrated as well raising our school’s profile in the local community. This work has given us the opportunity to develop the creative skills of our pupils, showcase their talents and prove that Autism is a difference and not a deficit.’

Megan McHugh, Whitby High School student, said: ‘For this project with Open Eye Gallery, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. It has enabled me to engage creatively in the project by constantly experimenting and developing new skills. From this programme I was able to develop confidence and experience new opportunities and ideas which further helped me to develop my photography.‘ 

Community is free and open to the public from the 27th of October 2023 to the 27th of April 2024, with a display of the work by Whitby High School students. A celebration event will take place on Thursday, the 26th of October, from 4.30 – 6.30 pm. Feel free to drop in and say hello. 

The exhibition is free and open to the public during regular library hours. All are encouraged to visit and explore this outstanding presentation of community spirit through the eyes of our local youth.

Ellesmere Port Library opening hours: 

Monday, Thursday and Friday: 9am – 7pm

Tuesday and Wednesday: 9am – 5pm

Saturday: 9am – 1pm

Whitby High students’ work is brought to you by the Our Time, Our Place engagement programme, whose aims are to empower young people to discuss current issues, explore their own history, and share it through pathways in photography and associated practice. Is Anybody Listening? Our Time, Our Place is presented by the University of Salford and Open Eye Gallery and generously supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Community exhibition and responsive project  is supported and made possible  by the Building on Recovery grant from Cheshire West and Chester council.