Heart café and church in Duke Street is currently hosting an art exhibition on the theme of rebirth until 3 May.
Emily Blackmore works at the café and curated the exhibition, which includes 21 local artists with 25 art pieces displayed. She said: “We do ‘Art at Heart’ so either through exhibitions or workshops for kids or adults, it’s to promote community and creativity for all ages.”
The café, which opened its doors October last year, aims to expand the upstairs to a full gallery for larger exhibitions and the venue holds a church for Sunday service. Blackmore said: “We do have a church that meets here on Sundays, but the café is somewhere we want everyone to feel welcome so that they can come and have community, like a home away from home.”
The exhibition shows an array of artwork ranging from pencil drawings to 3D pieces, each expressing the creator’s interpretation of rebirth. It’s the first time many of the participants have had their art displayed at an exhibition.
Alex Baldwin, one of the exhibitors sends his artwork around the world, he gives his drawings away free of charge to either relatives of people living abroad or people going on holiday, recipients can then take photos of the work on its travels and either bring it back or leave it there for others to enjoy.
So far, Baldwin’s work has landed in 76 countries. Baldwin, who is autistic has found the project has helped him connect with other people. He said: “I think if I wasn’t doing it then obviously I’d struggle socially, I feel like I’d just keep to myself a lot, but with this project to go ahead, I know that I need to communicate with people even if it’s like people I’ve never met before.”
Emel Michael another artist in the exhibition recently moved to Liverpool, said: “I guess a part of my rebirth is living in Liverpool for a very short time.”
Michael, who is an established artist, has been painting since she was five, added: “The best language for me was art and I found myself in that, so I’ve been painting and drawing since I was that young and since then I have exhibited.”
Rebirth opened on Good Friday. “It’s a day that’s significant for spiritual transformation and when we think about spring and how we experience in life sometimes pain and joy at the same moment,” said Blackmore.
As well as supporting artists, Heart has also partnered with local charities such as Bridge2 Liverpool supporting them through the proceeds from events and food charity Community Grocery through profits from the sale of coffee bags.
Rebirth Exhibition is in the Heart Café, 104 Duke Street L1, which is free to visit and open Tuesdays to Saturdays 9am – 4pm.
