The Jesmond EXPO Exhibition of Arts and Crafts was originated in 1983 by Anne Macdonald, Peter Fryer and Cyril Winskell when it was held in the green room of the Church Hall. What it revealed was the marvellous talent of Jesmond folk.

Musical events have always played a part in EXPO with particular emphasis upon the participation of local schools.

The glass mural that now hangs in the windows of Jesmond Library was the work of West Jesmond School children under the direction of their Artist in Residence, Bridget Jones and first shown at EXPO 1989, where it won first prize for craft.

Thus a succession of EXPO’s have been held every two years with an average of three to four hundred works of painting, sculpture and craft being shown during which musical intervals are enjoyed. Refreshments are served throughout and an evening pudding concert has become ‘a must be there occasion’.

The event spills out onto the Green and into the Church. Exhibiions have included a giant dragon made of whips, by children under the supervision of Gilbert Ward, Head of Sculpture at Newcastle Polytechnic, an exhibition of major wood sculptures by Keith Grant and the display of the nationally important Queen Mother’s Northumbrian Quilt.

There has always been an EXPO lecture upon a topical art related subject. Last year a fantastic talk was given by Cyril Winskell about the restoration of the Tyneside Cinema.

All profits from the event go to charity.

The next EXPO will be held in Autumn 2010, date to be confirmed.