Cross Street Arts

Wigan & Leigh Art Map project development
2024-01-01 - 2024-03-31 | Wigan
The Wigan & Leigh Art Map has some exciting news!
Thanks to the GMCA ‘Spirit’ culture fund, Liz Chapman (the artist-lead for the project) is now working in partnership with Greater Manchester Arts (GM Arts) and Wigan Council to develop the Wigan & Leigh Art Map project.
From January to March 2024, work will commence to develop and expand the project through consultation with the local art community.
Consultation
The views of our local art community are integral to ensure the next phase of the Wigan & Leigh Art Map project supports artists and arts organisations in the right way.
If you are an artist or arts organisation (living or regularly working) in Wigan Borough, please share your views by filling in the consultation form: https://forms.gle/KFSMaevR1pF4sBVH6
The form closes on Monday 29th January 2024.
Planned activities – More information coming soon…
Engagement sessions
Liz plans to facilitate a focus group and deliver drop-in sessions with our local arts community. The drop-in sessions will also help those who are not online to find out more about the project and get their details entered on the map.
Local Arts campaign
Not only do we have a talented network of artists and arts organisations, but our local arts and culture sector helps to provide relevance and local knowledge, grow our local economy, foster a sense of community, give us a unique cultural identity and support our local community in a variety of ways (wellbeing, creativity and enrichment). Liz would like to explore these themes to create a unique movement/campaign in support of local arts.
Artists and Arts Organisation features
In addition, Liz is planning on creating artist/arts organisation features on the website and new Wigan & Leigh art map social media accounts.
If you are interested in any of these activities, please get in contact.

Discover Sunday: Brian Whitmore Calligraphy
2024-01-14 13:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, Tudor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1SX
Discover Sunday: Brian Whitmore Calligraphy
Following on from his successful art installation in the Walled Garden in Autumn 2023, Brian Whitmore is returning to Norton Priory to run a drop-in workshop as part of the Discover Sunday programme of activities. Themed to reflect the environmental messaging that is accompanying the Gaia installation, this is an opportunity to create sublime and thoughtful artwork to take home.
Attendees of the Calligraphy Workshop, which is inspired by Luke Jerram’s Gaia Installation, will have the opportunity to learn creative mark making and pen control, whilst also dipping into learning and using the Uncial Script. These newfound skills will be then used to create a calligraphic circular globe (with the option to make it into a finger puppet), scribed with a meaningful Earth quotation…
There is no additional charge for this activity, which is included in General Admission prices (and free for members of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens).
Tickets are valid throughout the day and include the opportunity to see Gaia, which is displayed in the atrium of the museum visitor centre. To take part, book General Admission tickets for Sunday 14th January 2024 via the Art Ticket website.

Saturday Family Workshops - Creating Place II exhibition
2024-01-20 - 2024-03-30 | The Turnpike Gallery, Leigh Library, Civic Square, Leigh, WN7 1EB
As part of the Creating Place II exhibition, The Turnpike Gallery in Leigh will be hosting a series of drop-in art & craft workshops for families led by experienced local artists including our artists Joe Kiney Whitmore and Anna FC Smith.
The first workshop will be on the 20th January from 11am-1pm, as part of the opening of the exhibition.
Come along to meet an artist and try new creative activities inspired by our local heritage and environment!

Saturday 20th January 11am – 1pm
Saturday 3rd February 11am – 1pm
Saturday 17th February 11am – 1pm
Saturday 2nd March 11am – 1pm
Saturday 16th March 11am – 1pm
Saturday 30th March 11am – 1pm

Suitable for families with children aged 5+, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. All sessions are drop-in, no need to book. If the session is full you may be asked to wait until a space becomes available.

For more travel and access information go to Plan your visit (theturnpikegallery.org.uk)

Register your interest on Eventbrite here: https://bit.ly/3NPw2gK
Creating Place II is supported by Arts Council England and Wigan Council.

Creating Place II exhibition
2024-01-20 - 2024-03-30 | The Turnpike Gallery, Leigh Library, Civic Square, Leigh, WN7 1EB
Creating Place II
The Creating Place II exhibition at The Turnpike will feature new commissions by artists Nicolette Lafonseca, Julie McKiernan, Helen Mather & Anna FC Smith, and Joe Whitmore, presenting diverse perspectives on our local heritage and environment in a series of multi-media installations.

Joe Whitmore is a painter who works predominantly from life, with a particular interest in portraits. His recent practice documents the lives of local people and landscapes in paint to reveal the character of his town. He has travelled extensively including Hong Kong, Poland, and New Zealand. Joe will be working with the Drumcroon Collection to present a series of portraits inspired by key works from the collection.
Anna FC Smith is a multimedia artist who explores social history, folk culture, and ritual through historical and anthropological research. Helen Mather is an artist whose practice involves community engagement with communal making, discussion, and collaboration at its centre. Together, their work in Creating Place II will involve exploring the new green heritage of post-industrial landscapes; how we think about these spaces now, and how they become part of our contemporary civic identity.

Nicolette Lafonseca is a creative polymath who uses a variety of visual art media with storytelling at the core. Her project will focus on natural pigments which can be found in the local environment of Leigh, typically in plants that can be seen all around us, but also from other sources such as soils, brick dust, and rust. In the new year, members of the local community and family groups will be invited to attend foraging walks and take part in practical workshops to help create pieces for the installation.
Julie McKiernan is a writer who enables individuals, community groups, and charities to tell their stories, express their views, convey information and change people’s perceptions. Julie will be working with local artist Corrie Shelley on their ‘Share the Care’ project, which will focus on care providers, their personal stories and why they chose to work in Adult Social Care, as well as celebrating Adult Social Care provision in Leigh. They will be interviewing care providers and inviting them to create a square for their ‘Community Care comfort blanket’.

If you are an Adult Social Care Provider in Leigh and would like to get involved, get in touch at contact@corrieshelley.com
We will be hosting a ‘Meet the Artists’ week during February half term 2024 where visitors can drop-in and take part in free creative activities.

Tuesday 20th February 11am – 1pm: Nicolette Lafonseca
Wednesday 21st February 11am – 1pm: Joe Whitmore
Thursday 22nd February Time TBC: Anna FC Smith & Helen Mather (offsite)
Friday 23rd February 11am – 1pm: Julie McKiernan

Sharing Practice - Creating Place II exhibition
2024-01-25 18:00 - 20:00 | The Turnpike Gallery, Leigh Library, Civic Square, Leigh, WN7 1EB
Join us for a relaxed evening with the artists from the Creating Place II exhibition at The Turnpike Gallery. Each artist will be sharing how they have made their work in the exhibition, as well as general insights into how they work with local communities and collections to find inspiration and add social value to their practice.
With talks from Nicolette Lafonseca, Joe Whitmore, Anna FC Smith, Helen Mather, and Julie McKiernan and an opportunity to visit the exhibition and network with other participants.
Refreshments will be provided.
Who is it for?
This event is for artists and audiences wanting to learn more about the Creating Place II exhibition as well as those interested in learning about how artists are currently working within the borough. It is an opportunity for participants to network with each other and discuss social practice through an informal Q&A with the exhibiting artists.
For more travel and access information go to Plan your visit (theturnpikegallery.org.uk)
Creating Place II is supported by Arts Council England and Wigan Council.

Beginners Portrait Painting - A short course led by Joe Kiney Whitmore
2024-01-29 19:00 - 2024-02-26 20:30 | Online (Zoom)
TERM Art Classes present Beginners Portrait Painting – A short course led by Joe Kiney Whitmore.
This is a pay what you can event to support artists.
This 5 week live online course will take place on Mondays 29th Jan, 5th, 12th, 19th and 25th Feb, 2024. 7pm – 8.30pm (London UK Time) online via Zoom.
Joe Kiney Whitmore is a professional artist based at Cross Street Arts in Standish, Wigan, UK. He is an oil painter who works from life. He has a degree in Fine Art, a year of which was spent studying at the prestigious Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, Poland. He has exhibited nationally and internationally and has work in private collections around the world.
This course will provide you with essential techniques and insights needed to create portrait paintings. Through a series of interactive online sessions, Joe will guide you step-by-step, covering everything from basic proportions to capturing realistic facial features. Suitable for complete beginners or artists looking to enhance their painting skills. During the course, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from Joe’s extensive experience and ask questions in real-time. You’ll also receive valuable feedback on your art work to assist your growth as an artist.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the world of portrait painting! Join TERM Art Classes for the Beginners Portrait Painting Short Course and unleash your creativity. Reserve your spot now!
To attend, you will need the following materials:

Pencil/charcoal.
Rubber/eraser/putty eraser.
Ruler.
Brushes.
Acrylic paint or oil paint in white, black, yellow ochre and red (cadmium/cadmium hue) only.
Water to rinse acrylic or linseed oils for oil paint in a jar.
Rag or paper towels to wipe brushes.
Artist sketchbook or paper – 130gsm A3 is ideal.
Surfaces to paint on such as cardboard/wooden board/stretched canvases.
Pallet.
Pallet knife.
Sandpaper.

Tickets are priced on a sliding scale so you can choose what you can afford. Tickets are available from £45, £55, £65 or £75 for the 5 week course (£9, £11, £13, or £15 per class). Concession tickets (students/those on low income) are available for £30 for the 5 week course (£6 per class). Age: 16+.
TERM Art Classes values bringing quality art inspiration and skills to everyone and in paying artists fairly for their time. They will cancel the event if we can not meet the required amount to pay the artist. In this unlikely event, all bought tickets will be refunded.
TERM art classes are streamed LIVE via Zoom on London UK Time. They are coordinated and delivered by professional artists Klaire Doyle, Anna FC Smith, and guest artists based in England.
No recordings are permitted during these classes.
One ticket purchase valid per participant, even if multiple participants are using the same computer screen.
Find them on social media @artdiscussterm
Zoom info:
Please note that you will receive Zoom info via email (from termartclass@gmail.com) approx 2 days before the event when ticket sales end. Please check junk mail if this isn’t in your inbox.
Using a mobile device – Download the Zoom app.
Using a PC / laptop – Use https://zoom.us/
Just before the class – Log into Zoom.us by entering the login info sent to your email (please check junk mail if this isn’t in your inbox).

Manchester Open 2024
2024-02-03 - 2024-04-28 | HOME Gallery, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, M15 4FN
Taking place every two years, the Open Exhibition is a celebration of Greater Manchester’s creative talent. Between Sat 3 Feb and Sun 28 Apr 2024, the HOME Gallery walls will be filled with 480 artworks created by artists from across Greater Manchester, including artists from Cross Street Arts.
The artwork is selected by a panel consisting of art experts and community representatives.

Seeing Things exhibition
2024-02-20 - 2024-02-29 | The Edge, Riveredge, Wigan, WN3 5AB
We are excited to invite you to ‘Seeing Things’ a contemporary art exhibition, workshops & talks, featuring 9 artists from Wigan and the North West, within a statement space at The Edge, Wigan!
The exhibition includes work by a selection of our artists.
Open to all, free of charge.
Supported by The Edge and Arts Council England, this artist-led exhibition commissions nine artists from across Wigan and the North West to create new works resulting in a group exhibition ‘Seeing Things’.
The exhibition will be open from the 20th – 29th of February, 2024 during Wigan’s half term holidays. During this time a programme of workshops for adults and children, artist talks, and tours will take place. The exhibition will open evenings in line with some of these events.

Why I Paint - Twelve Painters Explain
2024-04-27 - 2024-06-01 | Hive Gallery, Unit S, Upper Ground Floor, Market Place Shopping Centre, Bolton, BL1 2AL
Why I Paint – Twelve Painters Explain
A group show with including Cross Street artists – Andy Smith, Joe Kiney Whitmore and Jane Fairhurst. Open 27th April to 1st June, Fridays & Saturdays: 1-5pm (and by appointment)

Themed Life Drawing with TERM Art Classes
2024-06-17 - 2024-12-31 | Online (Zoom)
TERM Art Classes presents Themed Life Drawing with a professional live model, unique posed photographs and reference images, led by professional artists.
This is a pay what you can event to support artists.
TERM Art Classes have previously been commissioned by Vans x MoMA and have been recognised by The National Archives. Now you can join the community of professional and budding artists at these relaxed and welcoming online Themed Life Drawing classes from the comfort of your own home, anywhere in the world! TERM tutors are all artists and will guide you along the way with their background of degree and MA level education in Critical Theory, History, Performance Art, Scenography, Fine Art and Art History, including studies at The Royal Drawing School, London.
Themed Life Drawing hosts a space to study numerous poses with an experienced nude life model, unique posed photographs and reference images. Tutors Klaire and Anna will encourage you through a series of drawing and painting techniques alongside timed poses. Each class hosts a different fun theme with props, costume, makeup or reference to art history to inspire your art work. You can draw, paint and create with any materials you have at home.
These online Themed Life Drawing classes are for all abilities to enjoy. Join us for portfolio development, practice or fun! Classes are also followed by an optional informal group art discussion where you can share your art work in a non-judgemental space to help build new found confidence and love for your own unique creativity.
You will need:
• A space to relax and make.
• A surface to create on (paper, an iPad, cardboard, etc).
• Your choice of painting or drawing materials. We usually recommend different art materials each week depending on the theme we study, but you’re welcome to bring any materials of your choice.
• Internet to access Zoom ( https://zoom.us )
• A drink and snacks optional!
Pay what you can for TERM Art Classes from £8 – £14 (or £5 for concession). All profits go towards paying our tutors and zoom fees so we can continue providing enjoyable art classes and supporting our staff.
TERM Themed Life Drawing is streamed LIVE via Zoom on London UK Time. Coordinated and delivered by professional artists Klaire Doyle, Anna FC Smith, and guests based in England.
Find us on social media @artdiscussterm
Age: 16+.
No recordings are permitted during these classes.
These are non-refundable tickets. One exchange can be made to the following class.
One ticket purchase per participant, even if multiple participants are using the same computer screen.
Zoom info:
Please note that you will receive Zoom info via email (from termartclass@gmail.com) approx 45 minutes before the event when ticket sales end. Please check junk mail if this isn’t in your inbox.
Using a mobile device – Download the Zoom app.
Using a PC / laptop – Use https://zoom.us/
Just before the class – Log into Zoom.us by entering the login info sent to your email (please check junk mail if this isn’t in your inbox).

Discovering Orchids Walk in Bickershaw Country Park
2024-06-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Wigan
Discovering Orchids Walk in Bickershaw Country Park
Join artists Helen Mather and our Anna FC Smith for a walk in Bickershaw Country Park with Leigh Ornithologist, Dave Wilson and Lancashire Wildlife Trust volunteer Alan Cargill. Together they will guide us on a search for orchid species that are colonising the post-industrial ground and preparing it for new plants species and to thrive.
The walk will also give us the opportunity to welcome in and honour the summer Solstice, marking midsummer and a time observe the seasons.
This walk is part of a project by Helen and Anna, to explore the new green heritage of post-industrial landscapes, how we think about these spaces now and how they may become part of our civic identity, as the industry there once was. Helen and Anna are keen to develop new ways of connecting with nature and sharing these experiences as a group through walking together.
On this walk we will share stories of our relationships to the land at Bickershaw, both old and new, learning about the place through our connections to it.
Important information:
Weather:
Due to the time of year, it is essential you come prepared:
· Wear appropriate walking footwear, no sandals
· Bring a hat
· Bring water and snacks
· Wear sunscreen
Route:
· The walk will be approximately 2 hours, walking and stopping to observe as we go.
· We will first look for orchids in the lower ground before climbing the ruck/hill so anybody with mobility issues is welcome to finish the walk at the lower point.
· There are no seating areas on the walk.
· The walk is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs due to uneven ground and inclines.
When: Saturday 22nd June 10am -12pm
Where: Bickershaw Country Park – We will meet at 10am on the corner of Common Lane and Plank Lane and then walk across the road to the entrance to the park.
If you are driving, please use postcode WN7 4UQ.
What Three Words address: perfected.drizzly.reconnect
Cost: Free, booking essential

Concrete Stuff (End of Residency exhibition)
2024-06-26 18:30 - 21:00 | Cross Street Arts, 114-116 The Standish Centre, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0HQ, United Kingdom
Concrete Stuff (End of Residency exhibition)

We’ve been honoured to be hosting artist Pierre Courtin from Angers as part of a residency programme between twin towns Angers & Wigan.

Join us for the exhibition of the work he’s created on Wednesday 26th June at 6.30pm at Cross Street Arts

Pierre said “During my residency, I’ve been working on how urbanisation leaves scars on the landscape and ecosystems. Concrete engulfs everything, leaving behind only a sense of melancholy for these new, dead biomes. I’m trying to capture this melancholy through embedded, dead wood. They’re like remains, ruins or phantoms of what they were. A deformed reflection. But also signs of what they will be. They resurface from concrete, as nature always finds its way.”

25 in ‘24 open air exhibition
2024-09-16 - 2025-02-28 | Believe Square, Wigan Life Centre North, Wigan, WN1 1NH
We are pleased to announce that Cross Street Arts 25 in ‘24 open air exhibition is now on show in our outdoor space Believe Square in Wigan Town Centre. The exhibition was first displayed outside Wigan Market and has now moved to Believe Square. It features work by 23 of our members. Make sure you pop on down and have a look.

Cross Street Arts is 25 in 2024!
2024-09-20 - 2025-09-19 | Wigan
Cross Street Arts is 25 in 2024!

We will be running events from September 2024 – September 2025 to celebrate 25 amazing years of creativity, community, and art of Cross Street Arts.
Watch this events page for updates!

Lino Printing Workshop by Emma Saunders
2024-09-28 13:00 - 16:00 | Cross Street Arts, 114-116 The Standish Centre, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0HQ, United Kingdom
Lino Printing Workshop by Emma Saunders
During the 3 hour workshop you will be taugh how to use a lino cutting tool to carve out your chosen design into a soft lino block. These designs are then printed onto paper and card to create a series of images you can take home. All tools and materials are provided and there will be some refreshments there also. Suitable for Adults but Children 8+ may also attend with an adult also doing the Workshop.
Unfortunatly the workshop is taking place on the 1st floor of the Standish Centre and is only accessable by a staircase.
At the end of the workshop there will be the opportunity to have a guided tour of the artist studios if you wish.
There are toilet and washing facilities available
If you would like anyfurther info or to discuss anything please email crossstreetarts@outlook.com F.A.O Emma Saunders

Shuuki exhibition
2024-10-11 10:00 - 2024-11-10 17:00 | The Old Lock Up Gallery, Swifts Hollow, 19 The Hill, Cromford, DE4 3RF, United Kingdom
Jane Fairhurst is showing three paintings at the Shuuki exhibition at The Old Lock Up Gallery, Swifts Hollow, 19 The Hill, Cromford, DE4 3RF
Open Friday to Sunday 10-5pm

Inside Outside
2024-10-13 08:00 - 2024-11-10 17:00 | Bollongton Arts Centre, Wellington Road, Bollongton, Cheshire, SK10 5JR, United Kingdom
Jane Fairhurst exhibits along with 5 other artists for the Inside Outside Exhibition at Bollongton Arts Centre, Wellington Road, Bollongton, Cheshire, SK10 5JR, Open Every Sunday 2-4pm

Fantastic Fungi Art Workshop
2024-10-19 12:00 - 15:00 | IOU Hebden Bridge Hostel, Highfield, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8DG, United Kingdom
Join in a creative workshop for all ages including adults to explore and celebrate the fantastic world of Wax Cap mushrooms, a rare species of fungi that are thriving in Hebden Bridge! Funded by Culturedale.
Workshop runs 12pm to 1.15 pm OR 1.30pm to 2.45pm so choose which slot you’d like to attend when booking.
Wax Cap mushrooms are a special species of fungi with vibrant colours, glossy textures and floaty, fluted shaped caps.
In the workshop you will have the opportunity to experiment with layered printed imagery using a variety of techniques and to play with singing bowls and other instruments to make sound which celebrates the jewel-like Wax Caps and their ecological importance in the local area. No experience necessary.
Your creative responses will contribute to a collective zine and a sound piece about Wax Caps which will be exhibited at Ancient Underlands : Calderdale’s Grassland Fungi in Luddendenfoot from 23rd November.
TBC: We are hoping to also be joined by a member of the Halifax Scientific Society who will be available to provide additional scientific information about Wax Caps and answer all your fungi questions and queries!
Alison Cooper, Anna FC Smith and Helen Mather are artists who collaborate on projects exploring the natural landscape, history and our sense of place. Our collective aim is to foster empowerment by bringing history and nature to life in the community’s mind. We seek to create space to develop relationships with the natural world and express our feelings towards it creatively and communally.
Please note:

Children and families welcome, children under 8 need an adult to support them making
There will be a variety of activities including ones that use acrylic paint so please dress appropriately
The venue is wheelchair accessible
Disabled Parking is on the Lower Car Park with step free access directly down to the Hostel (Spaces can be requested Tel: +44 (0) 1422 553578 Email: manager@hebdenbridgehostel.org)
General car parking is in the Upper Car Park. The Hostel is located to the rear of The Birchcliffe Centre.
The hostel is a fifteen-minute walk away from the train station, including a 5-minute walk up a very steep hill.

'Dwellings' and 'Darkness'
2024-10-23 - 2024-11-02 | Fronteer Gallery, Craft Unit 4, Orchard Square, Sheffield, S1 2FB, United Kingdom
Jane Fairhurst features in the ‘Dwellings’ and ‘Darkness’ at Fronteer Gallery, Craft Unit 4, Orchard Square, Sheffield, S1 2FB
Open Tuesday to Thursday 11-4pm, Saturday 2-5 pm

Lino Printing Workshop - Halloween Theme
2024-10-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Cross Street Arts, 114-116 The Standish Centre, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0HQ, United Kingdom
During the 3 hour workshop you will be taught how to use a lino cutting tool safely to carve out your chosen design into a soft lino block. These designs will then be printed on to paper and card. You will be taught the method of a reduction print to produce a multi coloured image. All tools, materials and equipment will be provided and you will be able to take the finished prints home with you at the end of the workshop. Workshop is suitable for adults but children 8+ may also attend with an adult also doing the workshop.
Unfortunatly the workshop is taking place on the 1st floor of the Standish Centre, Standish and is only accessible by a staircase.
At the end of the workshop there will be the opportunity to have a guided tour of our Artist Studios if you wish.
Some refreshments will be provided and there is toilet and washing facilities available.
If you would like any further information or to discuss anything please email crossstreetarts@outlook.com FAO Emma Saunders
Thank you

Beyond Representation
2024-11-06 19:00 - 2024-11-20 21:00 | Online (Zoom)
Beyond Representation: Drawing from Life and Imagination
Unlock your creative potential by pushing the boundaries of figure drawing, guided by the revolutionary practices of three groundbreaking artists—Max Ernst, Hilma af Klint, and Louise Bourgeois. This course will inspire you to move beyond conventional representation and find your unique artistic voice through imaginative and expressive drawing techniques. People with any level of artistic experience are welcome, from total beginners to established artists.
Through study of each artist’s approach to drawing, you’ll gain the confidence to break free from traditional figure drawing methods. We’ll explore how the unconscious mind, spirituality, and deeply personal symbolism can be harnessed to create evocative works that blend reality and imagination.

Max Ernst (6th Nov): Known for his surrealist drawings, Ernst used automatic drawing techniques to access the subconscious and explore the fantastic. We’ll experiment with surrealist methods like automatic drawing and frottage (rubbing) to discover how spontaneity and chance can lead to imaginative and otherworldly figures.
Hilma af Klint (13th Nov): A visionary of abstraction, Hilma af Klint’s work sought to visualise the spiritual and scientific realms beyond what is visible to the eye. Her mystical approach will inspire us to “blast apart” traditional figure drawing, incorporating music, meditation, and spiritual exploration to create forms that transcend the physical world.
Louise Bourgeois (20th Nov): Known for her deeply personal, symbolic drawings, Bourgeois used abstraction and symbolism as a means of processing emotions. Her imagery of spiders, spirals, and fragmented body parts invites us to tap into our own emotional landscapes. We’ll explore abstraction as a tool for self-expression, using personal symbols and motifs to create powerful, emotive drawings.

Throughout the course, you’ll engage in dynamic drawing exercises that blend observation (from photographs), memory, and imagination, encouraging you to push the boundaries of what figure drawing can be. Whether you’re seeking to refine your technique or develop a more expressive and imaginative style, this course will provide the tools and inspiration to take your work to the next level.
TERM Themed Life Drawing is streamed LIVE via Zoom on London UK time zone. Coordinated and delivered by professional artists Klaire Doyle, Anna FC Smith, and guests based in England.
£13.70 for a single class or £33.22 for all three.
To book: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/beyond-representation-drawing-from-life-and-imagination-tickets-1054467413419?aff=oddtdtcreator

Standish Christmas Market
2024-11-30 11:00 - 19:00 | Cross Street Arts, 114-116 The Standish Centre, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0HQ, United Kingdom
Cross Street Arts is excited to invite you to a variety of lovely things as part of the Standish Christmas Market including. We will have an exhibition of art works for sale in our gallery, an outdoor stall selling smaller artistic wonders, drop-in family friendly workshops in our gallery project space, 11am – 3pm and our studios will be open to the public to explore where we create.

Theo Major: Walking on Fire
2024-12-06 18:30 - 21:00 | St. Wilfrid’s Parish Hall, Church Street, Standish, WN6 0JT, United Kingdom
Cross Street Arts invites you to Theo Major: Walking on Fire
Join us for an illuminating talk by renowned art historian Michael Howard as he delves into the life and work of Wigan-born artist Theodore Major. Known for his powerful and gritty portrayals of Northern England, Major’s work captures the raw beauty of industrial landscapes and the emotional depth of working-class life. Howard, a respected expert in British art, will explore the influences behind Major’s evocative style and his place within the broader art movement of the 20th century. This event is a rare opportunity to gain insight into one of the North’s most compelling yet underappreciated artists. Don’t miss this chance to deepen your appreciation for Major’s bold, haunting legacy.
Doors open from 6.30pm for hot drinks and conversation. The talk will start at 7pm and run for about an hour. There will be time for Q&A and conversation afterwards.
Date: 6th December 2024
Time: 6.30 – 9.00pm
Location: St Wilfrid’s Hall, Standish, WN6 0JT

Wigan & Leigh Art Map drop-in sessions
2025-01-11 - 2025-03-29 | Wigan
Wigan & Leigh Art Map drop-in sessions
Find out about the project, how the map works and discover artists and arts organisations already on the art map.
Everyone is welcome, whether you’re starting out or an established professional artist – meet the team, chat about the map and art in the borough over a brew. We will also be on hand to demo the map and help any artists or arts organisations get added.
Golborne Library: Saturday 11th January, 10.30am – 12pm
Tyldesley Library: Saturday 29th March, 10.30am – 12pm
Watch out for updates on our Artist socials starting in November!
Wondering how you can get involved in the Wigan & Leigh Art Map?
We want our local art community to have ownership over our platform and contribute their own opportunities, profiles and content to keep it a living, breathing resource! With this in mind…
Call for opportunities
If you have something to offer the local art community, use the Wigan & Leigh Art Map to help spread the word! Examples of opportunities we can help promote include:

Exhibition spaces available
Studio spaces available
Services available to support artists
Looking to collaborate
Social and networking for artists
Funding and other opportunities
Training and development for artists
Equipment available for artists to borrow

To share your opportunity on the map, just head over to our website and fill in our short form.

Call for artists profiles
We want audiences, funders and educators to get to know the artists and arts organisations working in our borough, and one of the ways we can help share your story is through our #OnTheArtMap profiles and social media takeovers. If you’re on the art map and would like to be featured, get in touch and we’ll be glad to help! Just email wiganleighartmap@gmail.com to get started.

Call for volunteers
Can you donate a bit of your free time to help with the art map? We’d love to hear from you! We are keen to hear about anything you feel you can offer, from creating social media content to supporting events or if you just have a great idea to share. Email wiganleighartmap@gmail.com for an informal chat about volunteering with the art map.
If you are not yet on the map, would like more information or are still wondering what it’s all about, head over to our website, contact us on Facebook or Instagram, or drop us an email. We are always happy to hear from you!

Survey exhibition
2025-02-07 - 2025-02-21 | Saul Hay, Railway Cottage, behind Bass Warehouse, Railway Castle Street, Manchester, M3 4LZ
David Stanley’s Sunny Bank Pool painting (90 x 90 cm acrylic on canvas) alongside a collection of his other paintings will be included in the Saul Hay Gallery Survey exhibition, which opens 7th February for two weeks.

SPLIT 2
2025-04-26 - 2025-06-07 | Cross Street Arts, 114-116 The Standish Centre, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0HQ, United Kingdom
Cross Street Arts is pleased to announce we will be hosting SPLIT 2 , the 2nd part of this touring exhibition. Following a highly successful exhibition in Hypha Studio Art Space, Wrexham, the exhibition will move on to London after stopping off at Cross Street Arts Gallery.
Our artists are thrilled to be bringing together such a great cohort of artists to the North West, something so positive for our region and wider community.
Cross Street Arts are celebrating their 25th anniversary with a series of exhibitions, projects and events during the year. The exhibition will feature art work from over 50 contributing artists currently studying the Turps Correspondence Course 24/25 and are from across the UK, Eire, Europe, Scandinavia and USA. (Turps is a highly regarded educational resource for painters and sculptors that artists can access globally.)
CSA have invited Chloe Goodwin and Ryan Saunders from Hypha Studio Art Space to choose and install paintings and sculptures to be shown in Cross Street’s Gallery from the Wrexham show.
Private view: Friday 25th April 6-8pm
Exhibition: 26th April-7th June
Book a slot to visit the exhibition
Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 11am – 4pm

Fun Festive Family Workshops @ Standish Christmas Markets
2025-12-06 11:00 - 18:00 | Cross Street Arts, 114-116 The Standish Centre, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0HQ, United Kingdom
Get ready for a day of festive fun at Standish Christmas Markets
Join us upstairs in The Standish Centre on Cross Street for family-friendly workshops led by local artists. From porcelain ornaments to pom pom sprouts, there’s something creative for everyone! Plus, don’t miss out on our art exhibition, visitors welcome all day!
Fun Festive Family Workshops @ Standish Christmas Markets, Saturday 6th December
Schedule
• 11:00–12:00: Porcelain Decorations with Matylda
• 12:00–1:00: Festive Wreaths with Liz
• 1:00–2:00: Christmassy Crafts with Wendy
• 2:00–3:00: Pom Pom Sprouts with Kat
Donations welcome

Annual Christmas Exhibition and Market Stall
2025-12-06 11:00 - 18:00 | Cross Street Arts, 114-116 The Standish Centre, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0HQ, United Kingdom
Get ready for a magical day at the Standish Christmas Markets!
Join us upstairs in The Standish Centre on Cross Street for our annual Christmas exhibition on Saturday, 6th December.
View our studios – meet our artists and look around our studios
Art Exhibition – Explore stunning original artwork
Art for Sale – Find the perfect festive gift
Raffle – Win an original piece of art!
We will also have a market stall outside on Cross Street, so you can buy lovely Christmas gifts and original art work.
