I love meeting people and I especially admire those who have moxie – those who have the courage to do something, to step outside their comfort zone and reach higher. The Art Event was organised by three such ladies.
I want you to picture yourself at the ripe old age of 17/18. What were you doing? Office junior? College maybe? Gap year? Wondering how to earn enough money at the chippy to pay for your weekend drinking?
Personally, I was working as a temp, trying desperately hard to gain enough experience to get a better, more permanent job and trying to figure out what I was doing with my life (something I’ve still not really figured out yet).
This is why, I’m in awe. These ladies, emerging young artists, all still studying at college, arranged the event, the venue, provided all the artwork, advertising – everything down to organising the glasses of fizz for those who attended.
And let’s not forgot the cupcakes (I never forget good cake).
So how did this all get started?
“We were talking about universities, and applying for uni and it was always put across that dipping your toe into the art industry was a good thing to have on your personal statement. But it was a bit more than that as well. We just wanted to get out there a bit, test the water, see what it was like. We wanted to create a network as well, meet people in Manchester and possibly further things within the industry.”
Working as a collective, the artists took the theme self portrait and explored it in various mediums. From photography, to painting, to video and mixed media, they bounced ideas off each other and explored options in a way they wouldn’t have on their own.
In putting the event together, the group learned lessons in event planning curating and timing. And plans are afoot for the next one, around Easter time, with the collective open to other upcoming artists joining them.
“We want more work in the next one, with a bit more of a gap this time around.”
I can honestly say that at the same age, I don’t think I would have had the guts, or the skill to pull something together so professionally. And given that they sold 70% of their work, I can see them giving a certain Mr Hetherington a run for his money in the future.
And I’ll happily help them do so.
I have to agree with your comments. These 3 girls are definetly going to be the face of the future, for as noted this was the get-together of great talent and organisation, completely project managing this event by their own selves from start to finish , and all that with a coolness so rare to be found these days for the budding artists at such a young age.
Thanks Christine. They’re delightful, enthusiastic and I’ve no doubt they’re going to do really well for themselves. It’s going to be interesting to see them in action over the next couple of years!
Well done guys, i thought the artwork was particularly interesting and of a high standard. It was a delightful evening and suprisingly well attended.
Good look for the future.
What a great example for young woman (and us older gals) to see. If you want something go after it! Nice work ladies!