The Art of Friendship

The Work of Morgan Murray Arts 2007 - 2026

4th June - 12th July

Free entry, open Thursday and Friday 11-4pm and Saturday and Sunday 11-3pm

Helen Morgan and Janice Murray are visual artists who have been working with West Cumbrian communities for nearly 20 years. This exhibition brings together this body of work for the first time, showcasing community responses in a unique, exquisite and extraordinary way.

Janice and Helen were employed as artists for Howgill Family Centre (a Sure Start Children’s Centre) in West Cumbria for over a decade. During this time, they developed Howgill Arts from a run-of-the-mill community service to an award-winning and highly respected arts department. Since leaving Howgill in 2016 they have worked on freelance commissions for Cumbria Family Arts Network, Rosehill Theatre, Arts Council England’s “Creative People and Places” programme, Handpicked Productions and Florence Arts Centre.

They have very different artistic practices; Helen’s acrylic, oil and mixed media abstract, expressionist paintings are inspired by the local landscape, memory and inner emotion whereas Janice employs traditional craft and textile techniques to create quirky and engaging pieces.

They are engaged practice specialists, working with and listening to the views of local communities to produce responses to issues. When they work in collaboration alchemy takes over and their practices fuse to create a spectacular synergy.

Over time Helen and Janice have not only been trusted and respected colleagues but grown to be great friends. They have raised their children together and shared the joys and heartaches of life.