"Make themselves feel special": The Leeds 'facilitator' set to champion local artists with new exhibition

Sue Sheard, founder and curator of Art In Your Eyes, is on a mission to prove that every artist deserves their moment in the spotlight, regardless of their age or background.

The exhibition features a massive cross-section of talent, bringing together 58 artists - some of whom have never before stepped out of their front door to show the public what they are capable of.

"It gives me the pleasure to offer so many artists to be able to work side-by-side,” Sue reveals, talking to the Yorkshire Evening Post. “Those who have never exhibited before, who have never stepped out of their front door.

“To be able to have that ability to meet people, to show what they’re capable of, to work alongside professional artists and to gain that experience, and to feel that they are somebody and they’re worth everything they have in their life besides their painting".

The cast of painters, both aspiring and professional, broach not only the annals of time but experience also; the youngest artist just turned 19, while the oldest is approaching 80. But the melting point of experience is something that caught Sue, a ‘late bloomer’ when it comes to the world of art herself.

"I was a late developer; I went into art only six years ago,” admitted Sue. “I struggled to start with by being knocked back at all the applications... it went on for a good year or more before I started to get acceptance".

But for those who feel the window for creativity has closed, Sue argues that age brings a depth of perspective that younger artists have yet to acquire.

Her advice is simple: "Let’s just say we have other things that the younger ones have to offer: we’ve got wisdom, maturity, and experience.

“And I think when you put that together in something you enjoy doing, your approach is totally different. I tell people just go for it".

Having the talent is only half the battle, though, and Sue is well aware of the 'gatekeeping' that often prevents local talent from reaching a wider audience - a hurdle she is determined to dismantle through the exhibition’s unique not-for-profit model.

London presentation, Yorkshire mentality

Beyond the logistical hurdles of securing gallery space, Sue is acutely aware of the "gatekeeping" that often guards the professional art world.

Having navigated the industry as a late developer herself, she understands that for many, a string of rejections is more than just a professional setback but a significant blow to their personal aspirations.

"I think it’s a mixture of all those [challenges], actually," Sue explained, regarding the barriers new artists face. "Unfortunately, some people struggle with mental health, so being knocked back can be a hell of a foot-drop for them. The rejection can, for some people, be tremendous".

It was Sue’s own high-profile success that provided the thesis for her Leeds event.

After being accepted into the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition in 2024, she witnessed firsthand a model where ‘unknown’ artists were celebrated alongside established professionals.

"I saw how people unknown, like myself and so many others there, were working alongside professional artists," she recalled. "I liked the idea of people being able to mix like that.

Also, I thought the prestigiousness that they offered us - you know, the canapés and the fizz and mixing - was so important and it made us feel very special".

Determined to bring that same sense of validation to her home city, Sue has designed Art In Your Eyes to mirror that prestigious atmosphere.

The launch will feature the same high-end touches - canapés, fizz, and live music - to ensure the 58 participants feel the weight of their own achievement.

“That’s exactly what I’m trying to achieve with this event,” Sue remarked. “Give these artists something to make themselves feel very special".

To ensure the exhibition remains accessible and breaks down the financial barriers of the art world, she has focused on a pricing model that avoids "Sotheby's prices" in favour of something more grounded.

"99% of the work will be reasonably priced," she says. "It’ll start basically probably from £50... we have some of the professional artists that will charge a lot more. But what I’m saying is there’s a varied amount of art there which will cater for everybody’s pockets and tastes".

Ultimately, she encourages the public to simply "give this opportunity a look out" and support the 58 artists involved, many of whom are sharing their creative voice with the public for the first time.

Art In Your Eyes is taking place at Holy Trinity Boar Lane, LS1 6HW, on May 9 and 10, with proceeds to be donated to the Kirkstall Art Trail. Admission is free for all who wish to attend.