A two-day artist residency hosted at Andover Museum in April has been hailed as a transformative cultural event for the town — drawing between 250 and 300 visitors, fostering creative dialogue, and leaving a legacy that is expected to inspire future projects across the region.
Delivered in partnership with Chapel Arts Studios and made possible through funding from the Test Valley Arts Foundation, the residency took place on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 April 2025, offering a unique opportunity for the public to interact directly with three nationally recognised artists:
- Sharon Kearley – a textile artist and weaver with a deep connection to heritage materials.
- Boris Allenou – a sound artist specialising in sensory landscapes and immersive installations.
- Lucy Pick – a natural dyer and eco-printer known for her work with sustainable, plant-based methods.
Throughout the two days, Andover Museum became a hub of hands-on activity, with visitors of all ages taking part in weaving, sound exploration, natural dyeing workshops, and conversations that spanned everything from art and ecology to identity and place.
Hannah Cantellow, Interim Director at Chapel Arts Studios, said:
“This residency was a celebration of what’s possible when artists, institutions, and communities come together.
“Thanks to the invaluable support from the Test Valley Arts Foundation, we were able to offer an event that was open, engaging, and genuinely impactful for everyone involved.”
More Than Just a Show – A Shared Experience
Visitors weren’t just spectators – they were co-creators and collaborators. As they worked alongside the artists, many shared their own stories, experiences, and local knowledge. The atmosphere throughout the weekend was described as warm, welcoming and deeply reflective, with unexpected conversations emerging between neighbours and strangers alike.
The residency was praised for being interdisciplinary and inclusive, blending historical craft with contemporary practice and connecting Andover’s rich cultural heritage with new artistic voices.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the project was the interplay between the three artists. Despite working in different mediums, their shared focus on material, process, and narrative led to moments of spontaneous collaboration, with each artist responding to and building upon the work of the others.
A Lasting Legacy
In a particularly generous gesture, Sharon Kearley will be donating a handcrafted Saxon loom to Andover Museum’s permanent collection – a tangible link between traditional textile practices and modern community engagement.
This donation is set to become an educational tool, helping future generations explore historical weaving techniques while engaging with contemporary issues of sustainability, heritage, and creativity.
And this is only the beginning. The artists are already in early discussions about returning to Andover for future workshops, residencies, and collaborative exhibitions, building on the connections and ideas sparked during this remarkable weekend.
Visit the Exhibition at The Chapel
If you missed the live residency, you still have a chance to explore its outcomes. A display of final works — including woven pieces, natural-dyed fabrics, and immersive sound recordings – will be open to the public at The Chapel Gallery:
- Wednesday 14 May: 11am–4pm
- Thursday 15 May: Closed
- Friday 16 May: 11am–4pm
- Saturday 17 May: 11am–4pm
- Location: The Chapel Gallery, Andover
For more information: Echoes of Andover: Artist Residency
The exhibition is free to attend and offers a peaceful, inspiring space to reflect on the power of creative community.