Exhibitions 3

THE HIDDEN GALLERY AT THE COBLE INN (2008)

The Hidden Gallery was developed by KEAP Creative who wanted to take art directly into the community and to an audience who may not usually visit galleries or exhibitions. This tiny gallery was in the back yard of The Coble Inn and had a floor area of only three square metres. This unique space caught the attention of a BBC Look North producer and was featured on that programme.

Stranger on the Shore was the first exhibition in the Hidden Gallery and KEAP used their art to reflect upon some of the changes that had occurred in the village over the previous twelve months and to say something about Newbiggin’s past, present and future. In addition to taking art to, and stimulating interest in, a harder to reach audience, the Hidden Gallery provided added interest for visitors to the village. Visitors from Japan, the USA and all areas of the UK have left positive comments.

Peace was KEAP Creative’s second exhibition of art in the Hidden Gallery. The opening on the first Sunday in Advent was held in conjunction with a Community Carol Service organised by Newbiggin Churches Together and was attended by over 200 members of our community.
Peace Tree, the centrepiece of the exhibition was created by KEAP artists Keith Tait and Peter Seddon who worked together to produce the tree to demonstrate how different individuals, disciplines, elements and materials can be brought together to produce a peaceful and harmonious whole.
The 64 birds on the tree symbolise Newbiggin whose postcode is NE64.
Two of the birds look inwards to remind us that peace begins within and the rest carry Newbiggin’s message of peace outwards.

The Peace Tree ihas also been on display in St. Nicholas' Cathedral, Newcastle upon Tyne.