The HIVEArts Collective has launched its annual winter show, an eclectic mix of high quality and local work. Our writer David Simper headed down to check out the exhibition, which includes one of his own paintings. The pieces are spread between the upstairs gallery area and the cafe downstairs. There is work from painting, through sculpture, to photography.
The HIVEArts seasonal call out has become a much anticipated annual event and one that hopefully joins the Grundy Open, which follows on from this, in local artists’ diaries.
Tom Lopato has acted as principal curator for this one, working incredibly hard to display the pieces to a high standard. David asked him some questions about preparing for this event.
What’s been the demand to join this exhibition?
“We did expect a few more, but there’s been enough to cover the rooms, about thirty individual pieces, which is enough to cover upstairs, which is fantastic. I decided to cover the walls, not looking at the pieces but rather their size, shape and colours, just looking to spread along the wall evenly. There’s a great diversity of work, so many different styles. It always comes together at the end doesn’t it? I would say its quality over quantity.”
Do you think the show is reflecting the degree of local talent?
“Definitely! Like I said, there’s different styles, techniques; there’s painting, photography, print making – you name it! Oils, acrylics, watercolour, pencil drawings. A good range of styles and talents across Blackpool, coming out to show their old, new or very recent work.”
How do you see the Blackpool art scene developing from this point?
“Hopefully people will be able to come to the gallery and see work from the up and coming, the younger generation. This is a great place to be part of and hopefully they’ll come and join us, get some work in and thrive throughout 2026. The gallery thrives anyway, doesn’t it? It’s never stopped; always continuing.”
Thanks to Tom for his comments and insights.
The exhibition continues until 20th January 2026 and is well worth a look. View the downstairs exhibits over tasty treats and drinks from the excellent HIVE cafe team.
This is the last 2025 event, so here’s to a new year of events and shows throughout 2026.
