David Riley

Let's start at the end, a la Martin Amis. Go and see this exhibition, it will make you think about big questions. Isn't that what art should do? If you'd like more than this endorsement I'd like you to read on and I'll give you an idea of what you can expect. Otherwise, just go - you won't be disappointed. As the guide to the ehibition says, it's an "exploration of...suffering, loss and hope." In the compass of our small but perfectly formed Grundy, these issues are explored through video, drawing, sound responsive lights and other material created by children…

The Grundy Art Gallery's annual communities and schools exhibition has this year invited artist, Kai-Oi Jay Yung to create Amongst Dark Trees, A Clearing. This new commission includes a series of videos, drawings, a sound responsive light installation and hand-sewn crafted works created through Yung's engagement with schools, communities and the wider public, including those locally in Blackpool. Stories of an excessive compulsive ex-hoarder, a meditation savant, an antagonistic stand up comedian and insights from trauma psychologists are reframed into four video narratives. The gallery is interspersed with intimate personal tasks which ask the viewer to manipulate sound-light works with their…

Wordpool has been running as Blackpool's festival of words for seven years. It incorporates all activities to do with the written word for all ages and is an event (in a tourist town) with the local very much in mind. I asked Lynne Pattinson, Arts Officer at Blackpool Council, some questions about Wordpool overall and this year's events in particular. About its local focus, she said: We feel that as Wordpool celebrates words we have a flexible focus for the festival. This allows us to make our events more accessible to those who would not usually attend literature festivals. We…

Here's an insight into the life and work of Linda Patterson Hoey who will be taking part in the Christmas exhibition at Caffe Dolce, opening with a preview at 6pm this Thursday 6th of December (tonight!). David Riley: When did you start as an artist? Linda Patterson Hoey: I spent 4 years at Art College when I left school and have worked full time as a graphic designer for the past 25 years. It is only in the last year that I have been building my own portfolio as work and family commitments have allowed. DR: What sort of work…