Conversations, the recent residency by UCLan MA Fine Art Students, saw a steady number of visitors through our doors, which for the first time were open every day of its duration. Many of those who visited had never been to Oxheys before, some not even knowing we existed, so opening up a brand new audience for us which is always exciting.
The range of visitors was wide and diverse and many stayed a very long time. The artists were thrilled with the response, with the feedback they received on their various projects and with the conversations held over various cups of tea during the two weeks the residency was open.
Visitors relax on a comfy sofa whilst listening to live music and enjoying the art
Unusually perhaps, the private view event was held at the end of the residency so the projects could evolve. We were lucky to have a lovely warm evening so the loading bay doors could be opened, helping to provide a relaxed atmosphere as people enjoyed their own conversations whilst listening to live music from the Swingin’ Never-Beans featuring resident artist Simon on guitar. It was a lovely evening.
The artists found new ways that their individual works had conversations with the others and aa an outcome, some will be exhibiting alongside each other in the final MA show at UCLan in September. We wish them all the very best of luck.