Outdoor Cleckheaton Library project bringing art, plants and people together

The ‘Library Gardens: Art, Plants and Place’ is a free, ten-week programme offering an opportunity for people to spend time outdoors, meet others, get creative, share stories and discover something new together.

It is led by local, contemporary and community artist Rachael Gorton in the gardens at Cleckheaton Library and is supported by Kirklees Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of ‘Seasons Of Culture: Nature’.

Already underway, the project sees participants explore the garden through the eyes of an artist, with different artistic ideas, such as line, shape, colour or texture, leading to new ways of looking at plants and green space.

From family gardening traditions, recipes and remedies to memories of places and knowledge passed through generations, plants can connect people to their own histories and to the places where they live. Through conversations and shared activities, the project is beginning to gather these stories as part of a growing collection of local knowledge.

Rachael said: “I'm fascinated by how much there is to discover in the places we think we already know. It’s wonderful to see people coming together through art and plants here, sharing stories in a library setting and enjoying a local green space.

“Plants offer a great way into so many ways of seeing and creating and are leading to fascinating conversations, shared memories and sometimes the completely unexpected.

“I’m delighted to be joined by a lovely mix of people with differing interests and experiences around both art and gardening, but you absolutely don’t need to know anything about either to join in.

“It’s more about being open, looking, trying things and seeing what happens. It’s amazing to see what can emerge when people explore and get creative together.”

The weekly sessions take place every Monday, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, until November 23.

The session on Monday, October 26, will see a plant and seed swap take place between 1.30pm and 2.30pm, providing an opportunity for participants to exchange plants, share growing tips and take something new home.

The programme will also include an exploration of the grounds at nearby Oakwell Hall and Country Park in the coming weeks.

The project will culminate in a celebration event on Monday, December 7, bringing people together to showcase, enjoy and celebrate the artwork and ideas developed throughout the sessions.

People are warmly invited to join the remaining sessions. No previous participation or art experience is needed. Everyone is welcome.