Associate Artists

As a creative charity we work with so many talented people, this 'creationship' adds value to what we provide. As a donation to the charity, these artists also facilitate some of our workshops at no charge.

Artist

Rosie Rimmer

I am a resident artist at Cafe Create where I exhibit in the gallery space and hold painting workshops.
My work is inspired by the surrounding countryside of Rivington and from wildlife trips to the Hebrides. I paint mainly in a loose colourful way using acrylic and watercolour. I also mix the mediums, adding pen, oil pastels and more. My aim is to show others the magic of painting and the wonders of nature.

Artist

Julian Cohen

Hi my name is Julian aka artbyjoules, and I'm a pen and ink artist inspired by nature. I started drawing about 4 years ago when I had to take some time off work due to a serious injury to my knees.
I had never drawn before in my life but I saw it as a challenge!
My wife thought my work was good and unique enough to sell so I started doing craft markets. Now, I have my work for sale in art galleries, gift shops and I attend craft markets most weekends.
I now also run several art wellbeing classes and pen and ink workshops in the local area.
I can't believe what started off as a hobby has turned into a full blown career! Please have a look at my artbyjoules page on Instagram and Facebook

Artist

Mandy Martin

Mandy spent 14 years working in the design industry followed by 5 years teaching secondary level before focusing solely on art. Her first experience with printmaking was at art college. Creating her own prints was wonderful and unforgettable, a feeling she experienced again when teaching, as the kids’ loved it.
Mandy really wants to pass this on, share her skills, have some fun, empowering future printmakers.
Currently working as an artist with a studio at FaMAS in Falcon Mill, Mandy uses print processes to produce evocative prints and installations. She works to create, capture, and communicate, energy and emotion through drawing and printmaking.
Her work is inspired by her love and appreciation of the natural environment and deep emotions felt from her connection with it.
Mandy has also founded a brand called ‘Judily’, which sells handmade prints and gifts inspired by plants, selling at print fairs, craft markets and soon to be online.
This brand is bold, colourful and dynamic and features images of plants and flowers. Developed through drawing, printmaking and digital process, the final designs are printed with either screen or lino and handmade into gifts. Her aim is to produce beautiful and useful products that feel exciting and spark joy for her customers.

Artist

Gerry Maloney

I was a Primary Headteacher for thirty years. My love for the Arts permeated my approach to teaching and learning. My own work is based on natural forms, ancient alphabets and symbols. Using vibrant colour I try to make my brushes and pens dance and sing.

Artist

Samantha Brown

I have loved being creative for as long as I can remember. When I was 12 years old, I started working in my family’s DIY shop making leaded lights for doors, and without a doubt this inspired my lifelong love of glass and colour. Our family business has been established for 65 years and this has given me such a strong creative foundation.

I enjoy working across many different mediums, from abstract watercolours and mindfulness doodling to all sorts of creative techniques, but my absolute passion is glass — especially fused and foiled glass.

I love sharing creative experiences with others and seeing how creativity makes people feel. My workshops are all about creativity without pressure: slowing down, chatting, learning new skills, and leaving with something handmade to feel proud of.

I encourage everyone to take a little time out, try something new, or simply enjoy a bit of creative escape for yourself — and CreateBolton is the perfect place to do just that.

P.S. Stay for lunch — the homemade food is amazing!!

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Artist

Carol Leighton

My passion for sewing began at 5 years old, when I learned to sew with my mother; unpicking clothes to fit my siblings.
I love learning, and have been taught many different types of craft at evening classes over the years.
I enjoy passing on my love of crafting to new crafters.

Artist

Graham Walsh

I started glass work whilst teaching in Hampshire where a colleague of mine introduced me to stained glass work. After retiring from 30 years teaching Design and Technology we moved to Cornwall where I continued stained glass work as a hobby. After completing several projects I decided to step into the world of glass foil work. In 2015 we moved to Greater Manchester to be nearer our grandchildren and were introduced to CreateBolton. I now teach the glass foil work techniques at workshops for the community. Some of my work is sold in Cafe Create to help raise funds for CreateBolton.

Artist

Gina Sedgewick

I am lucky enough to come from a very creative practical family and I picked up a love of creating from them, but if you'd asked me when I was younger what I'd be doing now teaching was never something I thought I'd be any good at, but I really enjoy sharing my love of arts and crafts.

Artist

More artists to be announced...

Watch this space...

History and Heritage Lead

Bryn Hackley

I have been fascinated by history for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Bolton, I developed a curiosity about the people, places and buildings that shaped the town. What began as a personal interest soon became a lifelong passion for discovering, researching and sharing the stories of ordinary people whose lives are often overlooked in traditional histories.

Over the years, I have developed particular interests in local and family history, the social history of working-class communities across the North of England and Scotland, and the impact of national events on everyday lives, particularly during the inter-war years.

I believe that history belongs to everyone. By understanding the past, we can gain a deeper appreciation of ourselves, our communities and the world around us, while ensuring that important stories and experiences are not forgotten.

For the past four years, I have been involved with Create Bolton, helping to deliver a heritage programme that encourages people to explore local history, connect with their communities and share their own experiences through talks, workshops and heritage walks.

Working alongside volunteers, community members and staff, I helped develop the History, Herstory and Their Story programme, which included exhibitions, events and activities celebrating Bolton’s rich heritage. I also played a key role in researching and securing the return of Claremont’s First World War Memorial to its historic home, helping reconnect the stories of the nineteen men commemorated on the memorial with the community they once called home.

I am passionate about helping others begin their own family history journeys and showing that you do not need to be an expert to explore the past. I enjoy uncovering hidden stories and bringing them to life for a wider audience because every family, street and community has a story worth discovering, understanding and preserving for future generations.

When I am not researching local history, I enjoy reading, visiting museums, attending the theatre and following the Eurovision Song Contest. You may also find me in Café Create, most weeks usually with a brew in hand and enjoying what I believe are the best scrambled eggs in Bolton.