Joint Exhibition by Jo Landy and Amanda Clark-Price - 'Unfinished Journeys'

'UNFINISHED Journeys' is a joint exhibition of mixed media artworks by local artists Jo Landy and Amanda Clark-Price. Both will be celebrating birthdays in 2025 that mark a special point on their creative journeys through life and the exhibited works reflect this. Visitors can expect examples of surface pattern, drawing, painting, collage, textiles and a variety of mixed media pieces and techniques.

Born in Yorkshire, but now living in Formby, Jo Landy is no stranger to the art scene across the Region. "As I approach a milestone birthday, I reflect on my journey through art and textiles. I have drawn, painted and stitched all my life and as an only child it was always my refuge and 'go to', spending many happy hours in the process of creating. I feel blessed that I am still able to do this wonderful thing of being able to 'see' with an artist's eye and to create something from that original spark of an idea. The biggest change in my journey came when I decided to qualify professionally as a mature student. After an Art Foundation course at Southport College and then attending LJMU, I graduated with a degree in textiles in 1997. An amazing time which opened up a whole new world of creating and teaching."

Jo's latest work is an amplified expression of her own personal interpretation of Nature and the widening role craft continues to play in the armoury of contemporary artists and designers. "When I think about 'journeys' I recognise that a great deal of my work is based on places I have travelled to, much of it being based on the natural world. As I become older I realise that my immediate surroundings of our lovely coastline and my own garden increasingly update my work by providing a wealth of inspiration. My work is textile based, however I love to use mixed media, collage and found objects as in my latest Scottish landscape featured in the exhibition and continue to investigate new techniques to keep the execution fresh. Even at my age every day is a School day!"

Originally from Liverpool but now living and working in Burscough, after many years developing skills in others at her classes at Southport Contemporary Arts and in online workshops, Amanda Clark Price is finally benefitting from having the space and time to focus on generating and exhibiting her own distinctive artwork. "This year marks a special point on my journey through life and creativity and the pieces I have chosen for 'Unfinished Journeys' reflect this. I have selected current work and some statement past pieces as:- 'snapshots' that show places, times, ideas and inspirations that change and evolve. I tend to use mixed media, favouring acrylic paint, watercolour, collage, gouache and ink."

Like her fellow exhibitor, Amanda also reaps the rewards of 1st hand experience to inform her artwork. "As always, I'm inspired by the world around me; the nature I see as I walk my dog, Midge, weeds, wildflowers and the flat fields and big skies of Burscough. A recent exhibition at Blackwell house in the Lake District, celebrating the symmetry of William De Morgan's tile designs or visiting family in South Wales and seeing The Black Mountains are all archived in my visual diary for future reference. I work in an eclectic way. Sometimes I'm very focused on 1 style or technique and will produce many varied pieces to explore it. Other times, my 'butterfly brain' flits from 1 idea to another. "

Certainly not 1 to be missed, this diverse display by Jo and Amanda will be on show at the:- ArtHouse, Eastbank Street, Southport, Merseyside, from:- 11 February to 1 March 2025.

International Women's Day celebration planned for unforgettable day in Southport

INTERNATIONAL Women's Day will be celebrated in a stylish event at:- 'The Grand' in Southport this March, with 3 inspirational speakers and some great entertainment.

Sponsored by Financial Planning Corporation (FPC) in Southport and LeaseCar UK, it will take place at:- 'The Grand,' on Lord Street, from:- 12 pm onwards on:- Friday, 7 March 2025.

Tickets are £50 each or £500 for a table of 10 and include a delicious 2 course meal, entertainment, a glass of fizz upon arrival sponsored by LWC, and talks by:- 3 top figures.

All funds raised during the day will go towards Queenscourt Hospice, a local charity that delivers exceptional care for people with life limiting illnesses in:- West Lancashire, Southport and Formby.

The host for the day will be West End performer John Coates. John is a West End actor with over 30 years in the entertainment industry.

John's career spans over 3 decades in theatre, and international entertainment. Renowned for his versatility and commitment to the craft, John has worked alongside some of the industry's most iconic figures, including:- Michael Ball, Imelda Staunton, Jason Manford, Dominic West, Patricia Routledge, Sir Tony Britton, June Whitfield, and the legendary Dame Vera Lynn.

Speakers are:-

• Serena Silcock, Head of Operations, Silcock Leisure Group.
   

• Alan Adams, General Manager, Southport Flower Show and Victoria Park Events.
   

• Tammy Burgess, Southport Football Club Sporting Director.

Entertainment will be provided by superb local singer:- Kelly Bond.

You can book tickets through the Queenscourt Hospice website.

For more details contact Queenscourt Hospice Fundraising Team on:- 01704544645 or email: Fundraising@Queenscourt.Org.UK. 

Media and PR support is being provided through Stand Up For Southport.

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the 1st gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.

People are invited to make International Women's Day your day and do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women.

Queenscourt Hospice Fundraising Manager Liz Hartley said:- "International Women's Day is not only a time to celebrate the achievements of women, but also to recognise the role of men in supporting equality and helping to drive positive change. This year's theme, 'Accelerate Action,' reminds us that progress requires collective effort. On a local level, we have the power to make a real difference - whether through supporting the women in our lives or working together to ensure everyone has equal opportunities. As we come together to celebrate and raise funds for Queenscourt Hospice, we also honour the strength, resilience, and unity of our entire community - women and men alike - working side by side to create a more equal future."

Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group Business Development Manager Ged Janssen said:- "We are delighted to be working with Queenscourt Hospice on this International Women's Day event to celebrate women. It is an inclusive event and Liz Hartley has some amazing speakers lined up. The Grand is a fabulous venue to host such an event and we look forward to welcoming guests."

Silcock Leisure Group Head of Operations Serena Silcock-Prince said:- "It's brilliant to see International Women's Day becoming more well known. It is a truly global event, and I am looking forward to speaking at this very special occasion here in Southport. It's a wonderful day for celebrating women, and I am very excited to be a part of it. I am very lucky to have been able to grow up surrounded by some very strong, kind and supportive women around me. Silcock Leisure Group has long been a supporter of Queenscourt Hospice in many ways, including sponsoring and hosting their annual Southport Santa Sprint. We are always keen to help them in any way we can. The Grand is a stunning venue and a beautiful setting for this occasion. International Women's Day at The Grand will be a great way for women to come together and to encourage and support each other moving forward."

Kelly Bond said:- "I am delighted to once again be performing at The Grand for International Women's Day 2025. It's always an honour to be part of Queenscourt's fundraising efforts as I have a personal connection to them as an organisation. The work they do is astonishing and I'm always happy to lend a helping hand in their efforts to raise much needed funds."

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