Express deliver display to Rugby Art Gallery and Museum

The collages were created by the Benn Partnership Centre's Express arts and crafts group, which took inspiration from Himid's pieces Man in Paper Drawer and Man in Pencil Drawer.

exprThe pieces were acquired for the Rugby Collection of 20th and 21st century contemporary art after Rugby Art Gallery and Museum secured grants from Art Fund and the Arts Council England/Victoria and Albert Museum Purchase Grant Fund.

The funding included running an arts outreach project, with Express members creating works which reflect the themes of Himid's Men in Drawers series and Negative Positives, her ongoing series of pieces which incorporate pages from newspapers.

Members of Express created collages which projected a sense of self, reflecting treasured memories and incorporating a range of techniques, including embroidery, painting and cuttings from newspapers and magazines.

The pieces have now been mounted on wooden clipboards and put on display in the Art Gallery and Museum's foyer.

Sally Godden, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's arts development officer, said: "Our arts development team has helped deliver Express arts and crafts sessions at the Benn Partnership Centre for four years, giving aspiring artists the opportunity to engage with the arts and create, regardless of age or ability.

"The members really warmed to the themes Lubaina Himid explored in her pieces, and have produced a striking collection of work we're delighted to display."

Express arts and crafts group meets every Thursday at the Benn Partnership Centre, in Railway Terrace, from 10am to 12 noon. New members welcome.

Cllr Sebastian Lowe, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for growth and investment, said: "Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's arts development team supports and runs a number of projects which aim to encourage communities to engage with the arts and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of creativity.

"The Express arts and crafts group has proved a popular addition to the Benn Partnership Centre's programme of services and activities for the community."

The Express group's work remains on display in the foyer at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum until Tuesday 5 February.

Photo caption: Aishwarya, a member of the Benn Partnership Centre's Express arts and crafts group, with the display in Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's foyer.