Seymour Art Collective, a group of artists who are or have been homeless, are in residence at The Showroom Gallery this week for Artlab. It’s much more than an exhibition, as it features a temporary working artists’ studio and purpose-built ‘pop-up’ canteen.
The event is open to the public from Tuesday 9 August to Saturday 13 August and entry to The Showroom is free. It’s an opportunity to view artworks in progress, that with the artists, enjoy a drink and snack in the canteen and buy prints/originals at very affordable prices. Open Studio Day on Friday 12 August features talks by guest artists during the day and a Late View until 8.30pm. Proceeds from art and canteen sales support the Collective’s work.
Seymour Art Collective formed three years ago at a City of Westminster College art course run with West London Day Centre and this is the third exhibition/event they have organised. Ranging in age from their 30s to their 80s – the Collective’s extraordinary life experiences are reflected in their art, which includes charcoal portraits, photographs, films and watercolour postcards detailing life on the open road.
City of Westminster College Tutor Sam Curtis says: “Seymour Art Collective have gained real momentum now – thanks in part to two previous successful selling exhibitions.
“Artlab takes their work one stage further, because it gives the group a chance to interact with fellow artists and art lovers and talk about the thing they are all passionate about – which is art. Everyone at City of Westminster College is really proud of what the Collective are achieving thanks to their determination and resolve.”
Venue: The Showroom Gallery, 63 Penfold Street, London NW8 8PQ
Opening hours: Tue 9 Aug-Thur 11 Aug 12pm-6pm; Fri 12 Aug 12pm-8.30pm; Sat 13 Aug 12pm-6pm
Further information: 020 8983 4115
www.theshowroom.org
Image: Photograph by Richard Lamb of Seymour Art Collective
City of Westminster College
- City of Westminster College is a leading London further education college with three centres in central London – Paddington Green Campus, Queens Park Campus and the Cockpit Theatre – and a range of outreach centres.
- The College offers over 200 vocational and academic courses to some 6,000 students each year. Specialisms include Sport, Digital Media, Engineering, Music Technology and Science.
- City of Westminster College is an associate of Middlesex University and University of Westminster. It is also a Founder College of the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills and a member of Westminster Skillset Media Academy with the University of Westminster.