Photography students host exhibition at The Sessions House in Spalding in a bid to improve community spirit

A group of photographers hope their new exhibition can ‘slow people down’ from the pace of life — and improve the town’s community spirit.

In a bid to inspire others and improve the art scene in Spalding, a passionate group of university students have come together to showcase their work at The Sessions House in Sheep Market.

There will be an evening viewing of the ‘Time and Transformation’ exhibition tonight (Wednesday) between 6pm and 9pm and it will also be open during the day tomorrow (Thursday) between 10am and 4pm.

All of the artists at the event are currently University of Derby students who are studying at Boston College.

One of the organisers and artists at the event, Bernice Bradley, was inspired to take up the hobby after watching her father take photos as a child.

She now specialises in macro, sport, family portraits and events photography and hopes the exhibition can inspire like-minded people.

Bernice said: “I would like people to come away from the exhibition and feel inspired by my work – every photo we take has a story behind it.

“Life is such a rush, so if people can come along and slow down to appreciate our photography – It’s all about bringing people together and having that community spirit.”

The students were inspired to host the event after attending an exhibition in Spalding, which was hosted by abstract artist Joey Lowe, earlier in the year.

Joey has been fighting to improve the town’s art scene for the past five years, and has made it clear to South Holland District Council that he would be willing to organise art events for the town.

Bernice added: “I felt Joey’s exhibition reconciled with our work and he has been so helpful.

“We would love to see the art scene improved in our area and coming from a smaller town in Lincolnshire, it is a lot harder to find work to get inspired by.”

21-year-old landscape photographer, Beth Twell, grew up in Spalding and hopes the exhibition can prove to other budding artists, that they can follow their dreams – despite some of the obstacles life can throw.

Beth was diagnosed with ADHD, which is an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and was previously told she would not be able to pursue their dream career.

She said: “I’ve been on quite the journey. I want people to realise its okay to have issues and do what you enjoy most.

“I have been told in the past that I can’t do certain things but you can do anything.

“You’ve just got to understand you learn things a bit differently to everyone else, but its not a problem.

“I use photography as an escapism from the real world and I love what I do.

“Growing up in Spalding there has never been a lot going on really. There wasn’t many photographers and nothing in the town inspired me.”

The exhibition is free to attend and features an array of mediums.