05/06/2026
More than an exhibition of artworks, Prompts is a celebration of community, connection, and the importance of play throughout adulthood.
Visitors are invited to journey through the creative prompts and discover the diverse visual conclusions reached by each artist.
Contributing artists include Irene Parnell, Jane Dawber, John Pindar, Kathy Brown, Leander Nield, Louise Relph, Michelle Schofield, and Sandra Green.
A Local Exhibition Born From Play, Chance, and Creative Courage
A new exhibition opening this month at BL6 Studios in Horwich invites visitors to follow a creative journey from blank page to finished artwork.
Prompts is a mixed media group exhibition showcasing the work of eight artists and students from the Exploring Arts: Mixed Media Course, delivered across Enjoy Learning and FaMAS. The exhibition opens on Friday 12th June with a preview evening and continues throughout the weekend, with free entry on Saturday and Sunday.
The course is facilitated by artist Anna Stevens, whose approach centres on providing participants with a series of prompts rather than prescriptive instruction. Each session introduces a different technique or concept
What makes Prompts particularly compelling as an exhibition is that every artist begins with the same instruction.
What emerges is entirely their own. Works in pastel, pencil, watercolour, pen, acrylic, monoprint, and collage line the walls of BL6 Studios, each one a distinct response to the same creative starting point, revealing the individual voice, instinct, and identity of its maker.
Contributing artists are Irene Parnell, Jane Dawber, John Pindar, Kathy Brown, Leander Nield, Louise Relph, Michelle Schofield, and Sandra Green.
Anna Stevens, who has tutored the group throughout the course, speaks warmly of the achievement. "I'm incredibly proud of this group. Every week they arrive with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace creative challenges. Over time they have developed not only their artistic skills, but also the confidence and initiative to share their work publicly through this exhibition. Seeing them take the leap to exhibit their work is a wonderful achievement. They are a fantastic group and a valuable addition to the rich artistic scene and creative community of the area."
BL6 Studios, the independent contemporary art space based at The Pumphouse in Horwich, is hosting the exhibition as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting artists and creative community in the area. Founded in 2013, the studio has built a reputation for bringing together working artists, tutors, and the wider public through exhibitions, workshops, and life drawing sessions.
Prompts is more than a display of finished work. It is, as the exhibition's organisers describe it, a celebration of community, connection, and the importance of play throughout adulthood — a reminder that creativity is not the preserve of the professionally trained, and that the most honest artistic responses often come when the rules are removed.
The Exploring Arts: Mixed Media Course continues to welcome new students of all abilities. Those inspired by the exhibition are encouraged to find out more and sign up for future courses.
Prompts opens:
Friday 12th June, 7pm, with a preview evening at BL6 Studios, The Pumphouse, Hampson Street, Horwich, Bolton BL6 7JH.
Continues Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June, 12 noon to 4pm.
Free entry.
Further information at bl6studios.co.uk
