Presentations at the WEA exhibition of mosaics

From l to r: Christine (WEA), Emma (Bridge Arts), Doreen (Deputy Mayoress), me, Trish (WEA)

picture by Ted Bird 

It’s always good to present awards to those who have been creative, and I have found that there a lot of creative people in the district.

On Tuesday I presented certificates to students of a WEA course who in just four hours had each produced a mosaic. All were well done and some of the artists had no previous experience. I was pleased to be at the launch of the exhibition of these works.

This show of fourteen mosaics is at Bridge Arts on Sagar Street, Castleford (opposite the new footbridge).

Art is not just about pretty pictures. It’s also about expressing emotions. The tutor (Julie Hand) encouraged each artist to produce a mosaic based on some feeling important to them. All were so good, I had no particular favourite.

A mother pig and piglets gave a depiction of family love, while another represented her family by hearts. Another used stars to symbolize his father and grandfather.

The workshop was part of the WEA’s Learning Revolution Festival held last October. It was held at Pontefract Museum. Funding came from the government (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills). The aim is to “open up opportunities and highlight the real benefits of learning for enjoyment, personal development and community development.”

WEA (the Workers’ Educational Association) is the UK’s leading adult education charity. It relies on dedicated volunteers who work alongside paid staff to run educational courses at community venues.