A group of amateur painters called the 'Thursday Painters' will hold an exhibition titled 'Soul Expressions' at the Hodgson Loom Gallery in Laxey, Isle of Man, starting June 24 through August 9, 2025. The group, led by Laura Espinosa Moon, meets weekly at Momma Moon's Art Studio in Peel and includes artists such as Kathy Craig, Cheryl Shimmin, Emma Healy, Lynn Haywood, Ali Marie Duff, Jo Lewy, Judith Booth, Ali Foster, Syl Richard, and Delia Chamberlain. A preview event will take place on June 22.
The exhibition matters because it showcases the work of a local, community-based art group that emphasizes inclusivity, support, and creative exploration across diverse styles and skill levels. By collaborating with curator Julia Ashby Smyth, the Thursday Painters bring visibility to grassroots art-making on the Isle of Man, highlighting the role of small studios and galleries in fostering local artistic communities and cultural engagement.