Hitchin Library Artist in Residence

We are delighted to announce our newest Artist in Residence… Alexa Loy will be in resident at Hitchin Library in May.

Alexa is an experienced, established, local artist, specialising in painting and photography. During May, she will be hosting artistic events for all ages and abilities, inspiring creativity in all who visit the library. Her work championing the town’s voice will also help to celebrate 100 years of Hertfordshire Libraries and 60 years of Hitchin Library.

Alexa will be hosting a varied programme of events, all of which will contribute to the final mural, at the below times:

Thursday 8 May, 3.30-6pm – Places of Hitchin Drop In
Join our Artist in Residence to draw and sketch your favourite local places to add your own stories to the collaborative mural. This free drop in session is suitable for all abilities and aimed at teens and young people.

Saturday 10 May, 2-4pm – People of Hitchin Drop In
Join Alexa to add your favourite people, places and memories of your town to her collaborative mural. Reimagining the Collins ‘Hycchyn’ mural with a 2025 twist, this new artwork will feature your creations and be permanently installed in the library foyer. This free drop in session is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Monday 12 May, 10am-12pm – Mindful Drawing Workshop
Join our Artist in Residence for a relaxing, mindful drawing session in Hitchin Physic Garden. Learn drawing techniques and enjoy contributing to a collaborative mural of Hitchin. Perfect for new parents with babies in slings or buggies as well as local creative adults. This session is free but ticketed to ensure a comfortable number of participants. Please register for your ticket here - https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/events-and-things-to-do/hitchin/artist-in-residence-physic-garden-mindful-drawing.aspx

Saturday 17 May, 10.15am-12.15pm – Animals and Birds of Hitchin Drop In
Join Alexa to add your pets, local foxes or favourite local animals and birds to her collaborative mural. Reimagining the Collins ‘Hycchyn’ mural with a 2025 twist, this new artwork will feature your creations and be permanently installed in the library foyer. This free drop in session is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Tuesday 20 May, 6-8pm – Hitchin Sketch Walk
Join our Artist in Residence for this special, one off, guided sketch walk around Hitchin town centre. Visit favourite local spots and draw together, picking up new techniques along the way. The perfect place to meet new people and hone your sketching skills. All contributions will also be added to her collaborative mural of Hitchin. This event is suitable for all abilities, ages 16+. Tickets are £5 per person and include all materials - https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/events-and-things-to-do/hitchin/artist-in-residence-hitchin-sketch-walk.aspx

Saturday 24, 1-4pm – Mural Drop In
Our Artist in Residence will be joining Hitchin Library’s 60th Birthday Fayre by inviting you all to add to her collaborative mural. Reimagining the Collins ‘Hycchyn’ mural with a 2025 twist, this new artwork will feature your creations and be permanently installed in the library foyer. This free drop in session is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Saturday 21 June, 2-4pm – Unveiling
Join us for the final unveiling of the collaborative Hitchin mural. This mural will feature work created and design by all workshop participants and Artist in Residence, Alexa Loy. The mural will be a modern take on the popular ‘Hycchyn’ mural that hangs outside the library and will celebrate people, places, stories and memories that are special to Hitchin residents.

For more information visit https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/news-and-campaigns/artistinresidence-hitchin