The Volunteers Behind the Sparkle: Stories from the Andrew Logan Jewellery Extravaganza

What made you get involved in the St Helens  Arts in Libraries Andrew Logan's Jewellery Extravaganza?

My mum actually showed me the call-out on the St Helens Libraries Instagram page. At first, I was a bit hesitant because I didn't really know what to expect, but it sounded like a really different opportunity and something that would look good in my portfolio for university.

I'm studying Fashion and Textiles at college, so anything creative always interests me, and I thought it would be a great chance to get some experience and meet people working in the industry.
 

What was your role on the day?

I helped out with the makeup artist Rosie Hammick and also took part as a model in the final show. It was really interesting seeing both sides of it because I got to help create the looks and then be part of presenting them as well.

How did you feel before taking part?

I was definitely scared and nervous at first. It was quite far outside my comfort zone and I didn't know many people.

But everyone was so friendly and welcoming that those nerves started to disappear pretty quickly. The atmosphere was really supportive, and nobody made you feel out of place.

Did you learn any new skills?

One of the biggest things I learnt was time management and organisation. There were lots of different things happening at different times, so I had to be organised and make sure I was keeping on top of everything.

It also helped build my confidence and gave me a better idea of what it's like working on a creative project with a team of people.

What was your favourite part?

Probably getting all dressed up and seeing the final look come together. Wearing Andrew Logan's jewellery was amazing because the pieces are so unique and colourful. It felt really special to be part of something like that.

What was it like working with people from the creative industry?

That was one of the best parts for me because it helped me understand what working in the industry is actually like.

As I'm hoping to go on to university and build a career in a creative field, it was really valuable to work alongside people who do this professionally. It also helped me build my portfolio and gave me experience that I can talk about in the future.

What was Andrew Logan like?

He was really nice and encouraging. One thing he said to me that I'll always remember was:

"If you've done something and done it scared, you are already one step ahead of everyone else."

That stuck with me because I was nervous about taking part, but it reminded me that being scared doesn't mean you shouldn't do something.

What did you take away from the experience?

It made me feel like anything is possible. It showed me that creative careers aren't just for certain people. They can be for anyone, regardless of their age or where they come from.
Getting to see Andrew Logan's jewellery up close, meet people from the industry and be part of such a creative project was really inspiring.

What would you say to other young people thinking about getting involved in Arts In Libraires projects?

Just give it a go.

I nearly didn't because I was nervous, but I'm really glad I did. You never know where these opportunities might lead, who you might meet or what you might learn about yourself. Sometimes the best things happen when you step outside your comfort zone and that libraries have cool things going on.

In another blog...

volunteer Cat Woods shares her remarkable journey from taking part in arts opportunities offered through libraries to finding herself on the catwalk modelling Andrew Logan's spectacular jewellery. As Cat describes: "I never thought I'd ever find myself modelling jewellery worth thousands of pounds, dressed in an elaborate costume, with a full face of hair and makeup, walking down a massive staircase in front of a packed audience."

You can read Cat's story here: https://greentownsthelens.co.uk/from-forest-school-to-catwalk-my-andrew-logan-jewellery-extravaganza-experience/

Cat and Anna's experiences are just two examples of the opportunities that have emerged through our St Helens Arts in Libraries projects. We are passionate about bringing as much art, creativity and culture to St Helens  as possible, creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved, learn new skills, meet new people and be part of something unique.
 

Thanks to local photographer Angela Wilkinson, we can look back on the colour, creativity and spectacle of the Andrew Logan Jewellery Extravaganza. Explore her gallery and see some of the highlights from this unforgettable event.

Whether it's taking part in creative workshops, volunteering at special events, working alongside professional artists or even finding yourself on a catwalk wearing Andrew Logan jewellery, there are countless ways to get involved.

If you'd like to hear about future projects, workshops, exhibitions and volunteering opportunities, sign up to our mailing list and stay up to date with everything happening through Arts in Libraries. We'd love for you to join us on our next creative adventure. Sign up to our monthly Ezine here 

Want to be part of what comes next? Explore events, workshops and ways to get involved at artsinlibraries.sthelens.gov.uk.