Home is where the art is as John and Joy exhibit at their old campus
When Joy and John Hall met more than 25 years ago as mature students on the first day of their art degrees at the University of Sunderland, it was the start of something special.
After a study trip to Cragside in Northumberland, they shared a coffee and realised how much they had in common.
They bonded over their love of art and developed a friendship which soon blossomed into romance.
The pair graduated in 1997, and married in 2004 at Cragside – back at the spot where it all started.
Once they’d graduated, Joy gave up her old job with a textile designer, and John left his work with the local authority in Teesside, to work as artists full-time.
The pair now live in Sunderland, and are co-founders of Four Cats to Feed, with their long-time friend and fellow graduate, Elaine Nicholson, producing craft and artisan pieces for sale in craft fairs and markets.
This week, the couple returned to the University with J & J 2023, an exhibition celebrating their work, at the Priestman Gallery on City Campus, which runs from February 15 to 23.
“It’s been truly lifechanging since we began this journey at Sunderland more than 30 years ago,” said John, aged 70, who studied Fine Art, then went on to a Masters in Art and Design.
Joy, 62, from Sunderland, who studied a foundation course before completing her degree in Art and Design (Textiles) at the University, said: “As well as meeting my future husband which was fantastic, Sunderland had such a huge influence on my journey as an artist, and one of my proudest moments was completing a dissertation; something I'd never thought possible having lived with dyslexia.”
Joy, who went on to achieve a First-Class degree, added: “We really hope people enjoy our exhibition, it is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time, and are both thrilled to be returning to the university campus.
"Although a lot has changed since we studied at the former Backhouse Building, all those wonderful memories have never left us.”
J & J 2023 was originally scheduled to open in March 2020, but the event was an early casualty of lockdown.
Although frustrating at the time, the delay has enabled Joy and John to create fresh new work to add to their existing portfolio.
The exhibition has been
launched with support of Regeneration NE CIC, a non-profit arts organisation which uses the arts to support better mental health
and wellbeing.
Kathryn Barnett, who runs Regeneration NE CIC, alongside Gary Nicholson, both Sunderland graduates,
said: “Regeneration NE is delighted to be supporting Joy and John with the installation and launch of their new exhibition.
“It is especially poignant for myself and fellow director, Gary, as we started our own creative journey at the University of Sunderland.”