23-31st May 2025, Make on the Corner
From the moment I stepped into Make on the Corner, it was clear that something special was happening. Running from the 23rd to the 31st of May 2025, this nine-day exhibition was a vibrant celebration of the local talent that pulses through the heart of Huyton.
This event began with a Private View on the evening of Thursday 22nd May. There was a buzz in the air as artists, guests and community partners gathered to mark the opening. Conversations flowed freely, laughter echoed between displays, and an electric mix of admiration and curiosity brought people together. This evening was not just about viewing art, it was about forming connections and hearing the stories and passion behind the works on display. The showcase featured a diverse collection of paintings, textiles, figurines, digital media, and mixed craft. With no set theme, each contributor brought their own voice, allowing the exhibition to become a rich tapestry of unique styles and stories. The exhibition welcomed over 100 local visitors over the nine days, showcasing 11 Creatives eclectic mix of works.
One section was transformed by Tom Wilson, a local miniaturist whose intricate figurines and elaborate dioramas were arranged atop a striking deep purple dresser upcycled by Tom himself. The earthy tones of his work were highlighted by whimsical touches, such as leafy green putty that wove through his sculptures and small botanical paintings. His display felt magical yet grounded, echoing his deep-rooted passion that’s been with him since he began crafting miniatures at age 15.
On another wall, Olivia McIntosh’s bold paintings in pinks and blues caught the light just right. Olivia, who recently completed her Master’s in Fine Art, brings her passion for accessibility to life not only through her artwork but also in the workshops she leads at Make on the Corner. Her presence at the showcase was as vibrant as her work-uplifting, confident, and community-minded.
Newcomer to Make, Nathan Roberts brought a quieter but no less powerful energy. His oil painting, ‘Andromeda Angusish l’, stood out-etheral and surprisingly advanced for someone who only began painting with oils in 2024. He described it modestly as, “one of those passion projects that randomly pops into my head”, though the execution suggested something far more deliberate.
The celebrations didn’t stop there, the showcase also coincided with a joyful milestone: the first birthday of Once Upon a Plant! Agnieszka Dominika Hołubik has graced Huyton village with her infectious enthusiasm for plants. A year on and it is clear that her passion has blossomed into something truly special. Over the past year, Once Upon a Plant has grown into a vibrant community hub where locals and visitors alike come not only for greenery, but also for inspiration and a sense of connection. As the showcase debut coincided with this milestone, it served as a perfect reflection of the journey so far, nurtured by community spirit. Agnieszka has left a lasting impression on Huyton village showing that even the smallest independent businesses can flourish on the high street.
Illustrator and animator Cath Garvey brought her characteristic humour and heart with a series of narrative-driven works that drew you in with a smile and left you thinking. Her pieces spoke of the power of storytelling in all its forms, whether through doodles, daydreams, or digital frames. Her work was a gentle but powerful reminder that creativity truly is for everyone.
Further down the gallery, Katy Lancaster’s work dazzled with its vivid mix of dreamy landscapes, anime-infused colour, and digital-age symbolism. Using acrylics and watercolours, she creates scenes that blur the natural with the virtual “a healthy dose of doomscrolling for inspiration,” as she playfully puts it. Each piece was a world unto itself, swirling with energy and emotion.
Then there was Sarah Teasdale AKA Sadie Magpie, whose name alone evokes the spirit of her work. Using salvaged materials, she created a whimsical tree from which she hung an array of animals, trinkets, and playful forms that made her section of the showcase feel like stepping into a storybook glade. Her commitment to reuse and imagination resonated beautifully with the exhibition’s community ethos.
Regina Rowlands is a self-taught contemporary painter whose spontaneous, playful works added bursts of colour and curiosity. “Every project is a new adventure,” she said and her display was just that, spirited and full of wonder.
Pyromancy Productions added a theatrical flair with an ethereal fairy-like costume draped over a mannequin. Paired alongside Agnieszka’s plants, the costume’s delicate detailing and handcrafted symbolism created a little world that whispered of magic and self-empowerment. Maker Nicky Billington shared how their creations are made to invoke self-love, protection, and abundance. These values are clearly stitched into every seam.
From the community arts organisation, Heart of Glass, we saw a collaborative installation that radiated team spirit and the power of collective creativity. Their contribution embodied what the entire event was about, people coming together to make something meaningful.
In the centre of the room, a screen played Capital H Productions’ new short film Excavation (2025) on a gentle loop. Created by Shaun and Ben, the film follows a struggling musician retreating into the woods for inspiration, inspired by the music of Bon Iver. With its meditative pace and stunning cinematography, it invited visitors to pause and reflect. Adding another soothing sensory layer to the experience was Botanifolia, a Liverpool-based botanical wellbeing brand. Their hand-poured soy candles, infused with essential oils and herbal blends, offered calming aromas that drifted throughout the space.
From the makers to the visitors, the volunteers to the organisers, the Huyton Village Showcase was a warm and powerful reminder of what happens when creativity is nurtured by the community. This wasn’t just an exhibition, it was an invitation to see, to listen, and to believe in the potential that exists in every corner of our local neighbourhood.
