SHP art show to reveal society’s Untold Stories

SHP clients will exhibit their artwork along with portraits of their lives and experiences in a special mixed-media exhibition called Untold Stories. The free exhibition is open to all visitors and will run for three weeks this summer.

The artwork has been produced in SHP’s weekly arts programme, which helps people to express themselves and share their experiences through sculpture, crafts and visual arts. SHP’s clients have been working with the support of artists such as Rob Wass, Giles Walker and photographers Emma Davies and Verity Cousins.

The show will include the ‘If You Ask Me’ portraits, using the style of questions posed to celebrities in the Observer to bring out the untold stories of people struggling with issues such as homelessness, alcohol and drug addiction, mental ill health and criminal pasts.

Untold Stories explores the idea that by listening to the hidden narratives of those who are socially excluded, we can move away from stereotypes to a more equal and inclusive society.

The contributing artists include Caroline Silver (photo above), a former hostel resident and a client of SHP’s arts programme, whose story involves living in a squat with Deep Purple. Caroline said: “SHP’s arts programme is really valuable to me – it gives me the opportunity to express my experiences through arts and crafts. I want to encourage people to see the show, to support SHP’s work and their clients.”

Untold Stories is on show from 1 – 22 July 2011, at the Together Our Space Gallery, 12 Old Street, London, EC1V 9BE (view map). Opening times are from 9.30am – 5.00pm weekdays. There will be a special opening on Saturday 23 July, as part of the Whitecross Street Party. Admission is free and the nearest tube stations are Barbican and Old Street. Click here to view the full list of participating artists or to download a flyer.

For more information or to receive a press release pack regarding this event, please email info@shp.org.uk.