This theme was originally conceived as a potential project during 1997, which was the 150th anniversary of the opening of Birkenhead Park, the first purpose-built public park in the world. In 1998 the idea developed into a celebration of parks and open spaces.

Nineteen schools took part in the project, exploring sea front, river bank, local park, country path or even the schools own grounds.

The six artists, two working with sculpture and four with textiles had a brief stay with three schools (in one case, four), during which time they introduced students to ideas and techniques they use in their own work. They took groups of children out of the school buildings to look at natural materials and see how they could be used to create works of art in the field. They produced large weavings, found sculptures, batik tents, felt hangings and plaster-cast reliefs. Justine Cook, Sue Harrison, Sian Hughes, Jan Newhouse, Tim Pugh and Judith Railton, the artists taking part in the project, displayed their work at the Williamson Art Gallery alongside pupils examples. Photographs recorded work that would not have survived the period since the residencies took place.

Colin Simpson, Curator of the Williamson Art Gallery states:

"The experience of looking and finding in these places will, we hope, increasingly foster a sense of care and responsibility for the local landscape, an appreciation that these places do matter".

What are Artists-in-Residence? | Meet the Artists Involved | Year 2000 Projects | Final Exhibition | Past Projects | Sponsorship | Preview the Videos | Acknowledgements

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