A Sunderland church has announced the successful applicants for an innovative Artist in Residence project which celebrates local creative talent. Musician, Tony Bowler, and Fused Glass Artist, Ken Maynard, will take up the year-long roles at St. Paul’s Church in Ryhope, from 1 September 2023. This is the second year this opportunity has been advertised.

Applicants had to live in the local SR2 postcode area but there was no restriction on age, education or chosen media. The vicar at St. Paul’s, Rev. David Chadwick, said he had been very impressed by the calibre of this year’s candidates and the strength of their ideas.

Linzi Saunders, who was one of last year’s artists, has agreed to become
Creative Producer for the project to support Tony and Ken’s work.

She said, “I am really looking forward to seeing how they are going to
respond to the church, the village setting and its rich heritage.”

Musician and music teacher, Tony, said he is very aware of the impact of
music on community mental health and wellbeing. Consequently,
he plans to establish a choir and get more people involved with music and
singing.

“Now I am retired, I have time to spend doing this project,” he said,
“I would like to explore the themes of World War I, village history and its
mining past but also to look to the future.”

Ken, who has lived in Ryhope all his life, has previously volunteered for
Ryhope Engines Museum, and been a Scout Leader in the village. Now he wants to pass on his love of glass to other local people.

He explained, “I would like to give talks about the history of glass and do fused glass workshops. If the funding is available, I also want to make a larger glass panel for display in the church.”

Rev. Chadwick added, “St. Paul’s is one of the oldest buildings in the village. I appreciate that not everybody is religious but the church is here when people need us. This project helps us to be better connected with the whole community.”