Over the past few months young Mahdlo members have experienced a once in a lifetime opportunity and have been working with renowned Oldham artist Kevin Haynes to create a unique piece of art. They were given the opportunity to watch Kevin work, ask questions about how he composes his paintings and even got to create their own masterpieces.
The exclusive artwork was revealed on Tuesday 24th March to friends, partners and patrons of Mahdlo. The painting was at the centre of a special Art Auction, presided over by Mahdlo’s Chairman of the Board, Terry Flanagan, to raise funds for the youth zone, a registered charity that is open 7 days a week for young people from across the borough.
Mahdlo’s Development Manager Claire Crossfield commented that “this was a truly unique way for us to get members involved with a renowned local artist whilst raising funds that enable us to keep our youth zone doors open and accessible to all young people in Oldham.”
The event was a great success and alongside the unveiling of Kevin’s work, guests were able to view artwork from members of Mahdlo and a selection of pictures of Oldham taken by participants from Mahdlo’s Get A Job group as part of a photography project. Over £4000 was raised on the night from the auction of the painting and through the sale of limited edition prints of this unique and striking work of art.
As part of the event, there was also a reading from ‘Miss Carter’s War’, the new novel from legendary actress and writer Sheila Hancock CBE. The passage, which describes Oldham, struck a chord with Kevin Haynes who contacted Ms. Hancock and was granted permission to use it as part of this project.
Terry Flanagan explained how the project came about: “Kevin Haynes visited Mahdlo and saw the work we do first hand and we began to talk about possible ways for him to get involved. The painting is magnificent and we are truly grateful to Kevin for doing this for Mahdlo – he has dedicated a great deal of time to the project. The limited edition prints are sure to be collectors pieces and anyone interested in viewing or purchasing one can contact Mahdlo on 0161 624 0111 ”