We were thrilled to be invited to take part in the Arts Trail in Preston for International Women’s Day. Our open studio session started an hour earlier than planned when a swarm of students descended upon us, keen to explore and have a look around the studios, talk with the artists and have a sneak peek at the ‘Time, Place & Negotiated Space’ exhibition.
We were taken a little by surprise, not only as they were earlier than expected but they were all so interested in what we had done at the mill, how we set up the studios and how we worked as artists and organised exhibitions. It was wonderful to have so much interest and to see the place with so many people in it – they were everywhere, on all three floors and appeared to be enjoying themselves. We had a school party in from Blackpool as well and that was great to see how interested the children were. Our landlord, Deputy Mayor Albert Richardson, came along to greet everyone and was surprised at how many people were there. Our thanks to everyone involved – it was a great session and it has inspired us to hold more open studio events in the future.