Art gallery welcomes second artist-in-residence

Anita Sewell, a Hartlepool-based former student of the Northern School of Art, will be spending the next 12 months working from a creative hub based in the gallery in Church Square.

The fine art graduate’s practice combines the history behind the Hartlepool area where she was brought up and elements of the region’s industrial heritage, with a strong emphasis on the town’s people and their cultural traditions.

Her work involves creating a dialogue with people in various roles, as they have a history of cultural and job specific knowledge which is in danger of being lost.

Anita’s collection of work includes a mixture of photography and sculptural pieces which have evolved from found materials from the local area. People-based interactions are paramount to the creation of her art alongside memories in her past.

Anita Sewell

“When I was offered the chance to be artist-in-residence I was shocked and excited to be given such an opportunity.

 “I am proud to be from Hartlepool, and see this as a great opportunity to further develop my art that is concerned with the towns’ people, industry and cultural heritage,” said Anita. 

She has previously exhibited on the paddle steamer Wingfield Castle in Hartlepool marina as part of her studies. She was also personally invited by Tees Valley artist Bobby Benjamin to showcase one of her pieces at the first ever Pineapple Black gallery show in Middlesbrough earlier this year. 

Ashley Landsbury, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Museum and Art Gallery Manager, said: “The gallery’s residency initiative allows us to continue to support the thriving community of local creatives.

“We are delighted to welcome Anita as our second artist-in-residence and are excited to see what she develops this coming year.”

Hartlepool Art Gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays (excluding bank holidays) from 10am to 5pm and entry is free.