A series of art exhibitions will be held at Whitehaven’s Rosehill Theatre.
Following the success of exhibitions at The Rum Story in the town, artist and curator Emma Hunt will continue her showcase, called A Light in the Winter.
Curated by Emma Hunt and curatorial advisor Jessica Bennett A Light in the Winter follows on from A New Hope, the first instalment, which launched in October.
This series of exhibitions presents works created during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting a range of artists from those who have been making work their whole life, to those who are just starting, to those who have made work in their own homes, to those self-taught and doing it as a hobby.
Emma said: “It is a celebration of creativity in Cumbria and gives visibility to art practices that may not have been seen by a public audience.”
Emma Hunt rekindled her love affair with painting just over two years ago, motivated by the local landscapes here in Cumbria. Beginning as a coping mechanism for pain, painting became a source of therapy. Inspired by other local artists, she worked to create opportunities to showcase the local artists/photographers in Cumbria.
Emma added: “We are all inspired by the coast and the lakes, so it goes without saying that we have a wealth of artistic talent here. During lockdown, almost everyone engaged in the arts in some way and it’s really opened up a new desire to play, learn and admire. This beautiful setting at Rosehill enhances the talent we have even more.”
Jessica said: “It has been a privilege to work with Emma on this project and to be able to support a wide range of local artists. The last year has been a difficult one for all of us, yet this opportunity has allowed us to make this a positive and celebrate what Cumbria has to offer!”
Daniel Whitehouse, creative and community development producer at Rosehill, says: “We are really delighted to be supporting this exhibition series and enabling Emma to develop her curatorial practice. There is some fantastic talent in the area and we feel it is important that we make the most of our walls and spaces and provide a platform for artists making work in the area.”
A free open evening will be held on Tuesday November 30, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.