Very exciting news to announce – I have been accepted as an artist-in-residence at New Mills School! Arts Council England have granted me funding for the project “Wild about Ceramics”: the pupils from the school will explore themes of declining wildlife, through ceramics and mixed-media. These workshops will culminate in artwork being displayed in the gardens and exhibited throughout 2019.

This project uses the art of clay to engage young people with issues of ecology and biodiversity. My ceramics exhibition “APOIDEA”, installed at Manchester Museum, is the starting inspiration; it is displayed alongside museum specimens and artefacts, and part of a digital VR experience of how an Orchid Bee pollinates plants. I will be in residence with New Mills School, working with students, art and science teachers, and the school gardening group, exploring the exhibition’s themes of declining wildlife, whereby I will be renewing ceramic practice within the school. Additionally, I will be working alongside the school’s John Muir Award project, and with the RHS Tatton Park Garden project….

…… so a very busy year ahead – and watch this space for updates!