We’re delighted to announce this year’s Artist in Residence is Nick Booth, a MA student studying Fine Art at York St John University. We met up to discuss his ideas on Saturday, and we were intrigued by his proposals. Partly inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, Nick wants to explore some of the historical aspects of Rowntree Park, from its foundation in the aftermath of World War I, through the inter-war years and onwards, encompassing some memorable elements such as the swimming pool, the aviaries, skating on the lake and the millennial renovations. Perhaps Friends and other local people have ideas for what “absolutely has to be included” in a portrayal of the park? Nick will be spending some time in the park itself, getting inspiration, and will also be warmly welcomed in the Reading Cafe, where his art will be displayed in an exhibition this summer. We’re looking forward to seeing what he produces.
It’ll be a summer of Art (amongst other things) in the park, as we are also working with Sculpture students from York St John University, who are proposing some temporary installations for the park for the weekend of July 7th/8th (to coincide with the Bloom Festival). A curator from the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is helping with this project.
