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Leigh’s cultural gem, The Turnpike Gallery, is living proof that the
town has a unquenchable thirst for art.
Figures released today, ahead of the Turnpike’s annual ‘Open’ exhibition
for local artists, show that visitor numbers are up by nine per cent
compared to the financial year 2006/07. Last summer the gallery also
hosted its most visited exhibition for 15 years ‘Lumia Domestica’.
Visitors hailing from as far a field as Crewe, Carlisle, London and even
San Francisco have witnessed a bumper year for the gallery which has
included exhibitions as diverse as ‘Khel Toys of India’, ‘Topographica’,
‘Unbound’ and David Hockney’s ‘Grimm’s Fairy Tales’.
Highlights of another successful year for the Turnpike include:
• 12,000 people visited exhibitions;
• 1,400 local school children participated in workshops;
• 1,000 members of the public took part in workshops;
• 200 local people exhibited in the exhibitions programme;
• 200 people enjoyed the Leigh heritage film showings;
• 40 local artists have been employed;
• 50 local artists, volunteers and teachers have taken part in training
opportunities;
• and visitor satisfaction levels were over 95 per cent.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Visual Arts Officer Martyn Lucas said:
“We have enjoyed another fulfilling and exciting year at the Turnpike
Gallery. Our doors are open to all visitors and we work hard to ensure
that the exhibitions appeal to all. There really has been something for
everyone over the last year. The next exhibition, 'Open', is an
opportunity for people to discover local talent. Anyone is invited to
exhibit and everyone is welcome to visit.”
Talented artists from across the Wigan Borough have a unique opportunity
to see their work on display in the borough’s largest public art
gallery. ‘Leigh and Wigan Artists Open’ is a celebration of the best
local artists opening on Saturday 15th March.
The gallery invited local amateur and professional artists to submit an
artwork or hand crafted object to be included in the exhibition. This
year a special section for children and young people has been added and
promises to include inspiring art from the borough’s youngest creative
talents.
Turnpike Gallery Co-ordinator Louise Clennell said: “Open is a popular
exhibition with visitors and exhibitors alike. We attract work from a
whole range of media including painting, sculpture, film, photography,
textiles and jewellery. It also includes traditional and
non-traditional, figurative and abstract works.
“One of the key areas of our work is to encourage local talent to
further develop their skills. We are overflowing with artists in the
borough. Hopefully by providing a platform for their talent we can
motivate them to continue to produce such excellent work.”
‘Leigh and Wigan Artists Open’ opens on Saturday 15th March at a special
free preview starting at 12pm; everyone is welcome to attend. The
exhibition runs through to Saturday 26th April.
A number of workshops for adults and children have been programmed to
complement the exhibition including a series of Easter holiday activity
sessions for children. In collaboration with the Words ’08 Literary
Festival, the gallery will host a beginner’s calligraphy workshop for
adults led by local artist Brian Whitmore and an exhibition of
sculptural forms made from recycled books by Hannah Lobley.
For further information about ‘Open’ and the accompanying activities
programme contact the gallery on 01942 404469, visit
www.wlct.org/turnpike or email
turnpike@wlct.org.
-ends-
The Turnpike Gallery: The Turnpike Gallery is the only purpose built art
gallery in Wigan Borough and is situated within the Turnpike Centre, at
the Civic Square in Leigh, the town’s focal point for a variety of
cultural activities. The Turnpike’s programme of exhibitions and
activities gives visitors the chance to engage with a range of visual
arts and engage in hands-on activities. Please call 01942 404469 or
visit
www.wlct.org/turnpike
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