Sharon’s creative practice is very much based in local culture, heritage and local community. As an artist, she has exhibited locally and nationally, as well as producing commissions and commercial pieces.
Exhibitions and events
2019: Ouseburn Open Studios, Biscuit Tin Studios, Newcastle upon Tyne
2018: Is Spectacle the sun that never sets? System Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne
2017: Ouseburn Open Studios, Biscuit Tin Studios, Newcastle upon Tyne
2014: Fantastic Beasts, WillyNillie Chester le Street
2014: Scots Wha Hae, WillyNillie, Chester le Street
2013: The Coven, WillyNillie, Chester le Street
2013: The Late Shows, Biscuit Tin Studios (Group Show)
2013: Celebrating the Feminine: Van Mildert College, Durham University (Group Show)
2013: Group Show, Van Midert College, Durham University
2012: You Are Here, Durham, Town Hall
2012: Four Horseheads of the Apocalypse, Biscuit Tin Studios, Newscastle (Joint Show)
2011 Work, Worklessness and the Political Economy of Health, Wolfson Research Institute, Durham University
2011: 20:20 Exhibition, Northern Print Studio (Group Show)
2010 ROBUST, Engineering Department, Durham University
2009 Wing and a Prayer, Dorman Museum, Middlesbrough (Group Show)
2007 After Get Carter, Antioch House Durham (Group Show)
2008 Review, Parish Centre, Chester-le-Street (Group Show)
2007 London Affordable Art Fair, Olympia, London
2006 International Art Fair, Edinburgh
2006 The Draughtsman’s Contract, Crook Hall, Durham (Group Show)
2005 Signs and Portents, Antioch House Durham (Group Show)
2005 A Rich Seam, Brancepeth Castle Durham (Group Show)
2004: The People's Show, Northumbria University Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne (Group Show)
1985 - 2004: (intermittent group shows)
Creative Practice & Social Engagement
As co-founder and Director of a community interest company from 2012-2018, Sharon and colleagues worked with groups and residents through a series of participatory art workshops and collaborations, to produce art works that brought together narratives about identity.
2016: Cabinets of Curiosity- A project funded by National Lottery, County Durham Community Foundation and Crisis Skylight, bringing together work produced by vulnerable people – homeless people, those recovering from addiction, women’s support groups, people with mental health issues.
2015: You Are Here community project - The project was provided by Arts Council England matched with funding from Chester le Street’s Action Area Partnership and County Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner. The work produced in the art sessions formed the basis of a touring exhibition across the region, culminating in a high street exhibition of works placed in shops and businesses in the town centre.
2015: Art Working- Art Workingwas funded by ESF Global Grants and was aimed at using art as alternative approach to supporting often vulnerable people to acquire skills to move them closer toward employment.
2015: DUBS project – Funded by County Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner – aimed to improve engagement with local young people and tackle anti-social behaviour by working with them to transform, design and paint their community skate park.
2015: To Change Lives – Local funding to provide engagement activities for hard-to reach young people.
2014: Transformation - Funded by Durham County Council’s Community Chest, aimed to promote social inclusion, prevent isolation and enhance the quality of life for people with mental health problems, with onset memory loss and dementia.
2014: The Big Graffiti -Funded by County Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, the Big Graffitiproject aimed to ring together young people from various and different backgrounds to participate in positive activities.