The End of Mayhem 2019

Here we are, British summertime is officially around the corner as May came to a rainy close yesterday. Despite the unlucky weather, this week has been shining with reasons for me to celebrate! Monday marked the beginning of The Takeover Exhibition at The Customs House in South Shields. By Tuesday, I found my own double-page spread in the local newspaper...

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​The Takeover is an annual arts festival ran by teenagers for young people in the North East, up to the age of 25, to get involved, showcase their talents, take creative workshops and network. Five of my artworks were lent to The Customs House Gallery this year for The Takeover Exhibition and many flocked to the Gallery Preview for the grand opening on Monday evening.

My boyfriend and I arrived at the upstairs venue before the refreshments were served at 7:30pm and we were met with a well curated exhibition, filled with diverse pieces decorating the walls. It seemed that no particular age group, style or medium stole the show and the space itself was large enough to comfortably accommodate all of the people who arrived after us. 

I had the pleasure of overhearing strangers compliment my work; it was a lovely opportunity to mingle and enjoy the work of others too. Everyone gathered for a welcoming speech which was delivered by The Takeover Team who arranged this event. I handed out business cards to those who wished to know the price of the Dita Von Teese illustration on display. For the first time out of my house, I am happy to report that Dita was my most popular piece of the evening.

Please check out my Instagram @hannahrichillustrator to view more images and videos from the Gallery Preview.

Following that success, Katy Wheeler wrote an article about the celebrity responses to my take on the 100 Day Project; it was published by the Sunderland Echo on Tuesday. To read my blog post about first 50 days of the project, please click here. The article was met with an overwhelming amount of support from my family, friends and my university. The press team from University of Sunderland reached out to me on Wednesday and posted an alumni story on Thursday.

Finally, at the end of this week, I have accepted an offer for a creative writing internship at a wig company in my city.  This whirlwind of a week has well and truly marked the end of Mayhem; monthly pun intended. Here's to hoping for a bright June.