Making a Living Unveiling

Celebrate the unveiling of Nicola Ellis’ Making a Living sculpture and meet the artist behind the work. Join Artist Nicola Ellis for a Free Talk and Sculpture Unveiling Making a Living is a project led by visual artist Nicola Ellis as part of the Arts In Libraries artist commissions 2025/26, exploring work, memory and local history in Moss Bank and across St Helens. Join Nicola as she unveils the final sculpture created through the project and shares insights into her artistic practice, research process and the stories that inspired the work. Drawing on conversations with local residents, library users and staff, alongside research into local archives, the project reflects on how working life has changed over the past 50 years in St Helens and what these changes mean for local communities today. Using sculpture, digital technology and community participation, Making a Living brings together personal memories, local history and the changing nature of work to create an artwork that feels both familiar and contemporary. This event is an opportunity to hear directly from Nicola about the development of the project, learn more about her wider practice, and discover how local stories and experiences helped shape the final artwork. Free refreshments and snacks will be provided. About the Artist Nicola Ellis is a visual artist based in Manchester who grew up in St Helens. Coming from a family whose working lives span a range of local industries, her work explores the skills, knowledge and experiences that shape everyday life. Through sculpture, digital technology and research, she collaborates with people and organisations to uncover overlooked stories and examine the connections between work, place and community. Arts In Libraries is supported by Arts Council England and supported by St Helens Council.