AN exhibition designed to encourage people to keep journals about their lives is to be held at Frodsham’s Castle Parks Arts Centre next month.
Although there will be some paintings on show, the exhibition is mainly of journals kept by artist Jackie Sumerfield.
She has been keeping journals for the last 15 years or so, after starting by keeping diaries and then moving onto sketchbooks, photo albums, etc.
At first they were text-based, but they then evolved into having drawings and other things stuck in.
Jackie said: . “I kept them mainly on holiday or at big events, but for the last 10 years or so I’ve recorded things that happen to me whenever and wherever I am. I have got about 32 at the last count.”
Anyone can keep a journal, according to Jackie. All you need is a pen and a blank notebook to begin.
“ The important thing is to start, to begin noticing things to record, and to keep things like leaflets, menus, tickets so you can stick them in. People say to me they can’t draw so they can’t keep a journal, but you don’t need to draw anything. You can take photos or make photocopies.”
After the exhibition, Jackie is running a series of six workshops when she will guide participants through the process of starting a journal.
The workshops will be held on Friday September 18, 7pm to 9pm; Saturday September 19, 10 am to 12; Tuesday October 6, 7 pm to 9pm; Wednesday October 7, 10 am to 12; Friday October 23, 7pm to 9pm; Saturday October 24, 10 am to 12.
The exhibition runs from September 16 to October 28
All people need to take is a blank notebook and pen. Jackie will provide colouring materials and there will be notes to take away.
People will be on separate tables to keep them safe.
To book a place email: jackiesumerfield@hotmail.com
Pictured: Jackie with some of her journals