Staff Profile

Theresa is a printmaker and socially engaged artist working with artists books, zines and broadsides. Printmaking provides a platform for Theresa’s focus on social history, using archives, working with libraries and museums to fulfil projects. As an artist with a socially engaged practice, Theresa enjoys a collaborative approach to making artwork and developing ideas alongside participants.  Community participation and political activism feature as a driving force in her work.

Current research practice centres around supporting those seeking sanctuary in the Northeast to engage in creative and cultural experiences in and around the University. With support from the Engagement and Place fund, this provided the space and opportunity to meet regularly at the Hatton Gallery Learning Space to take part in print, drawing and painting workshops.  Refugee Week 2022 offered collaborative partners Skimstone Arts the opportunity to showcase a performance, photography and sound art exhibition alongside artwork made by the Hatton Gallery Art Group (formerly the Building Bridges group). Initiated by Senior Lecturer in Journalism, David Baines, the weeklong exhibition brought together community groups and the School of Arts and Culture during the undergraduate Open Day weekend, demonstrating the values and ethos of the University.

Funding support from the Catherine Cookson Trust and collaborative working with the Learning Team at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary and West End Refugee Service (WERS) has enabled a project to develop that builds on the skills and confidence developed by the Hatton Gallery Art Group.  The project will support the gardening group at WERS to create a colourful tiled mosaic to accompany a range of artwork on display in the garden area.