Yvonne J Foster was one of three artists chosen to take part in the Step Up: Interpreting Collections training programme delivered in partnership with Outside In and The Wellcome Collection. Wellcome Collection Yvonne J Foster was one of three artists chosen to take part in the Step Up: Interpreting Collections training programme, delivered in partnership with Outside In and The Wellcome Collection . "I'm two sessions in to the Step Up: Interpreting Collections course. This year is based at the Wellcome Collection, somewhere I've been wanting to visit for years. The part I knew nothing about was the man behind the collection, who by all accounts seems to have been a complete (and fabulous) eccentric: 'Henry Solomon Wellcome (1853-1936) was a luxuriantly moustached entrepreneur, archaeologist and philanthropist, and a manic collector of objects.' We have been given the chance to research something from the Medicine Man exhibition; a tiny representation of the vast Wellcome Collection hoard. We have been spoilt for choice, as the exhibition holds a plethora of objects from false limbs and early prosthetics (my favourite being a very piratey looking peg leg) to Napoleon’s toothbrush and the medicine chest that Scott took to the Antarctic. There are thousands of hidden stories behind each of the objects and I’ve been asked just to follow one. I feel like I’m on an adventure, following a lead or a clue and see where it takes me. I’m finding out as much as I can about the people behind the object. Who made it? Who used it? Where were they? What were they doing? Throughout their time within the Wellcome Collection objects have a story outside their original use. The have been examined, researched, handled and numbered in an effort to comprehensively organise and categorise the collection. The idea of looking at objects and following a path to find out their journey is so appealing. An area of work I am currently exploring is to do with just that; stories behind collected objects and their corresponding numbers, labels and cataloging. So being given the chance to research at the Wellcome Collection is extremely exciting. But you don’t always find the answers. There’s gaps, dead ends and missing information. Which surprisingly makes the story even more intriguing." Hidden Stories Behind Museum Objects IMG_3365 IMG_3340 IMG_0127

The beginning of a love affair with Museum research. A Fascination with Museum Labels Through Yvonne's work in Arts for Health and Wellbeing, and her interest in Museums and Collections, she attended an online event summit with Museum Next . From this she became aware of Screen South’s project supporting disabled people leading in museums. Curating for Change - a groundbreaking project with 16 D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent curatorial Trainees and Fellows, working in museums across England to uncover new stories in collections. The short film below is an edited and updated version of the application she created for the first round of curatorial fellowships organised by Curating for Change, in partnership with the Horniman Museum .

Alongside her personal work Yvonne works with local organisations who deliver arts for health and wellbeing programmes and work with under supported artists. Make Your Mark "Make Your Mark is the arts and health programme for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Founded in 2015, the programme delivers and supports a range of arts-based participatory learning opportunities for service users, staff and carers." I have been working with a team of dedicated staff within the Trust since 2013, first as a service user and now as an artist within my own right. They have supported both my health and artistic journey and I am now able to contribute the future of their arts and health programme and the people they support. Art Course Focus Group July 2016 Workshop focus group for Make Your Mark art course leaders and peer trainers. End of course evaluation for both artists and peer trainers involved in running summer art courses as part of the Recovery College programme run by Yvonne J Foster. Using picture and word collages participants described their thoughts and experiences before, during and after the art courses, and surprises along the way. Make Your Mark, the arts and health programme for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Recovery College, Education and Training Department, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Make Your Mark Art Courses Jan - Aug 2016 Make Your Mark art courses as part of the Recovery College programme Working with Joanna Stevens lead for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trusts' Arts and Health programme Make Your Mark. Consultant as required at key points during the project Part of interview panel recruiting artists and research assistant Participant in artist and peer training day Co-design focus group questions and process for artists and peer trainers Assisting focus group sessions Running end of course evaluation workshop What Makes Your Heart Sing 2015 Participant in a collaborative art project run by Annis Joslin involving 50 staff and service users with Sussex Partnership NHS Trust. The project started with the question 'What inspires you?' or 'What makes your heart sing?'. Everyone was asked to bring an object connected to those inspirations. Funded by Heads On and facilitated by Make Your Mark, the arts and health programme for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Commissioned and displayed within the Education and Training Department of the Trust. Make Your Mark Jan 2015 A 12 minute film which talks to people involved in the arts about the place of arts in their lives and how the arts make a difference for them and for others. This film was made for the newly established arts and health program 'Make your Mark' commissioned by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, supported by Heads On, the Trust's charity. You can view the film here . A Box of... Wellebration Sept 2014 A series of 'in ward’ Art Workshops on Wellebration Day (a celebration of wellness held on World Suicide Prevention Day) at Mill View Hospital run by Yvonne J Foster and assisted by the hospital's Art Therapy staff. Organised and supported by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Friends of Brighton and Hove Hospitals On permanent display at Mill View Hospital, Hove A Box of... June 2014 A collaborative project led by artist Annis Joslin and assisted by Yvonne J Foster inspired by the work of Joseph Cornell. Part of the Caburn Art Project organised and supported by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Friends of Brighton and Hove Hospitals A permanent exhibition in the shared spaces and corridors of Caburn Ward, Mill View Hospital, Hove Upside Down and Inside Out October 2013 Upside Down and Inside Out - A Portrait of Brighton and Hove A collaborative exhibition of photographic and collage based work created by service users, staff and carers inspired by and incorporating images from Brighton Museum and Art Gallery. Led by Artist Annis Joslin, as part of the Mill View Hospital Art Project On permanent exhibition at Mill View Hospital, Hove

Exhibitions Get in touch Story Maps 24th June - 5th July 2025 Marine Workshops, Newhaven & Newhaven Museum Figment Arts reimagines Sussex Folklore through solo works and collaborative pieces. Supported by Heritage Fund, Chalk Cliff Trust, Newhaven Historical Society and Museum, Worthing Theatres and Museums and Hastings Museum & Art Gallery. Community Base December 2023 Community Base , Queens Road, Brighton Filling each floor of the main building with artwork from my collection to brighten up the building again, post Covid. Including Ice Cream Artworks and Miniature Artworks. Ice Cream Artworks 25th July - 21st Aug 2022 Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, Brighton Continuing Yvonne J Foster's first solo show. Premiering previously unseen artworks in the ‘Ice Cream Artworks’ series. Supported by Pride Cultural Development Fund, Pride Brighton & Hove, Culture Connex, Arts Council England and Urban Flo Creative. 3am Project Feb 2022 Online Exhibition "In the Spring of 2021, The Lost Letters Project put out a call for words and artworks responding to the ideas of sleepless nights and nocturnal offerings." 'The Pianola Roll' was one of just fifteen works discussed by the panel and was awarded as a highly commended work. "Very high quality work. Addresses the brief from an interesting angle. Dreamy." "Love the careful detail in this, so thoughtful, calm and meditative." Layers of Creativity Sept 2021 - Jan 2022 Online Exhibition Outside In Collection curated by Jo Baring. "Layers of Creativity features work by 14 artists from Outside In’s collection and showcases its ‘real breadth of materials’ from textiles and unusual materials, to abstraction and traditional figuration." Including image selected from Yvonne J Foster's publication 'Inside ' . Nexus 2020 12th Oct - 13th Nov 2020 Plus X, Brighton and Online Exhibition neXus 2020 arts exchange . Organised and curated by Urbanflo Creative . Online galleries at Photofringe and Vrystaatkunstefees . Showing new work by Yvonne J Foster; a film delving into the imagery of trauma. Using an MRI scan as a backdrop her new Brain Landscapes work. Thirteen Exhibition 4th - 26th May 2019 Barker & Stonehouse, Old Shoreham Road, Brighton "Creative Future 's latest exhibition, part of Artists Open Houses 2019 in Brighton & Hove. Featuring an eclectic mix of artwork from thirteen regional artists, displaying work that can be bought as limited edition prints." Including images selected from Yvonne J Foster's 'Ice Cream Artworks ' . Community Base 2018 - 2019 Community Base, Brighton A group exhibition organised by Creative Future . "A set of nine framed Miniature Artworks on display at Community Base in Brighton by Yvonne J Foster. Each separate miniature artwork measures 18mm x 13mm. Each framed piece comprises of a set of either four miniatures." Eleven Exhibition 9th - 26th May 2018 Brighton Dome, Brighton "Marking the launch of Creative Future ’s curated retail website the 'Eleven' exhibition at The Brighton Dome is part of this year’s Brighton Festival. The exhibition showcases artists featured in the charity’s new digital venture and displays work that can be bought as limited edition prints." Debuting Yvonne J Foster's new 'Ice Cream Artworks' series. Traumascapes & Landscapes of the Interior 16th May to 28th September 2018 Institute of Mental Health, Nottingham "City Arts have teamed up with the Institute of Mental Health for a new art exhibition looking people’s experience of trauma. The exhibition is called Traumascapes & Landscapes of the Interior . Works on display include: Allan Oliver’s Electric Dreams, which captures the loss of identity that comes after electro-shock therapy; and Yvonne J Foster’s The Filing System of Trauma which explores how memories are stored in our minds." Drawing Insight 2nd - 26th March 2017 Pallant House Gallery, Chichester Drawing Insight - A collaborative project with Outside In and Chichester University . "Yvonne and Deborah worked over a three-month period supported by artist and project facilitator Rachel Redfern. Throughout the project they have used art as a means of communication and dialogue. Gaining shared and unexpected insights into themselves and their practices, the resulting artwork is a celebration of the differences that revealed themselves." Debuting new work created by Yvonne J Foster specifically for this project. Tight Modern Tour Nov 2016 - April 2017 Jubilee Library, Brighton; St. Helens Central Library; Haydock Library, St Helens; Eccleston Library, St Helens; Redbridge Library, Ilford; Aspex Gallery, Portsmouth. "Tight Modern - the world’s smallest pop-up gallery. An 8ft x 5ft miniature replica of the iconic Tate Modern, showcasing the UK’s best under-represented artists. Touring to galleries and libraries across the UK." Organised by Creative Future Including an image selected from Yvonne J Foster's 'Ice Cream Artworks ' . Art @ Community Base 2016 - 2017 Community Base, Brighton Group exhibition organised by Creative Future . Including images selected from Yvonne J Foster's 'Ice Cream Artworks '. Prescriptions 21st April to 14th August 2016 The Drawing Room, The Beaney, Canterbury Prescriptions: Artists’ Books on Wellbeing and Medicine exhibition. A collaborative exhibition, including Yvonne J Foster's publication 'Inside' . Creative Debuts May - June 2015 Black and White Building, Hoxton, London. As part of Whitechapel Gallery First Thursdays . Creative Debuts featured artist for both May and June. "Some people can't even type on an iPad. Well, how's your iPad art? Because our artist Yvonne can do this on an iPad. Jaw dropping." "I was last night at the exhibition in London, I bought the print 'Bette Davis' love your art. I look to see more work from you." Including images selected from Yvonne J Foster's 'Ice Cream Artworks ' . Tight Modern Tour May 2014 - January 2015 Brighton Fringe Festival; ORTUS Learning & Events Centre, London; Towner Art Gallery, Eastbourne; St Helen’s Cultural Hub "Tight Modern, produced by Creative Future , is a miniature replica of London’s iconic Tate Modern Gallery, showcasing 60 artists. Around 42,000 people saw the Tight Modern Tour." Video: Tight Modern The first exhibition including an image selected from Yvonne J Foster's 'Ice Cream Artworks ' . Outside In, South East July - Sept 2013 Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, Hastings "Bringing together the work and talent of a wide variety of Outside In artists from the South East region who have had little or no contact with the mainstream art world either because of mental health issues, disability, health or social circumstance." Press: Art on the Edge Including work from Yvonne J Foster's first publication 'Inside' . Eclectica Artists April - June 2013 Jubilee Library, Brighton Group exhibition with Eclectica Artists, supported by Creative Future . An exhibition and launch of Yvonne J Foster's first publication 'Inside' . Including digitally manipulated self portraits printed on vinyl 51cm x 86cm. Story Maps Pop-Up May 2024 Story Maps Pop-Up Studio and Gallery in Hanningtons, Brighton Figment Arts invites you to take part in creating large collaborative paintings based on Sussex Folklore. The Gallery includes solo works and previous collaborative pieces created with the public. Supported by Heritage Fund, Chalk Cliff Trust, Newhaven Historical Society and Museum, Worthing Theatres and Museums and Hastings Museum & Art Gallery. Bromptons Opticians January 2023 Bromptons Opticians , Gardner Street, Brighton For exceptional service, going above and beyond my expectations and being generally brilliant. I created and gifted some optician themed artwork complete with tiny silver spectacles. Ice Cream Artworks 6th - 17th July 2022 Plus X, Lewes Road, Brighton "This is Yvonne J Foster's first solo show and premiers previously unseen artworks. The ‘Ice Cream Artworks’ series are hand-drawn digital images inspired by early-20th century illustrations." Supported by Pride Cultural Development Fund, Pride Brighton & Hove, Cultural Connex, Arts Council England and Urban Flo Creative. Kindred Spirits 20th Nov 2021 - 6th Feb 2022 The Harley Gallery, Nottinghamshire "Kindred Spirits - An exhibition showing Outsider Art made by UK artists, offering a fascinating insight into the genre’s impact on the story of modern British Art." Curated by a group of Outside In artists. Including two images from Yvonne J Foster's publication 'Inside ' . Home 20th May - 6th Jun 2021 Phoenix Gallery, Brighton Finding Dad - a part of The Museum Of Ordinary People 's immersive exhibition 'Home ' "There’s something missing. I went to look for it and it wasn’t there. All I found was a gap (and all the bad memories). Where is the pile of missing memories? Where is he? Where is Dad when I was young?" New immersive and interactive work created especially by Yvonne J Foster for this exhibition. Grimy Heights Sept 2020 Website Launch The Alchemist became a character in Otillie Hainsworth's Graphic Novels Real Life Stories group in 2020. "Grimy Heights began under lockdown on Zoom. It was inspired by the idea of Warren and Gary Pleece’s graphic novel ‘Montague Terrace’ about a dilapidated ‘30s building haunted by the stories of its occupants." Previewing new graphic work from Yvonne J Foster. Talented Art Fair 1st - 3rd March 2019 The Truman Brewery, London "We look forward to welcoming you to our 3rd edition of the Talented Art Fair , there will be over 2000 original artworks & limited edition prints plus 100 Talented Artists. Talented 2019 brings a plethora of the most talented and sought after contemporary artists who are currently making serious waves in the art world today." Including images selected from Yvonne J Foster's 'Ice Cream Artworks ' . Shop Ethical 7th November 2018 - 9th January 2019 Community Base, Brighton and Online Organised by Creative Future . "This Christmas, we’re on a mission to challenge views of local art by selling ethical prints that depict 'the real' Brighton and Hove. Created by some the UK’s most engaging artists and sold from our Online Gallery Shop, the works encapsulate the stories of real artists who actually live in or have connections to the area. We’re championing limited-run prints of abstract paintings, vibrant photorealism and digital pop art exploring a range of themes." Including images selected from Yvonne J Foster's 'Ice Cream Artworks ' . Mind the Gap 1st - 13th October 2018 Michaelhouse Centre, Cambridge "In recognition of World Mental Health Day on the 10th October, CBM UK and BasicNeeds invited 15 artists with lived experience or an interest in mental health to display their work in a two-week long exhibition to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health in the world’s poorest communities." Featuring five digitally manipulated self portraits printed on vinyl 51cm x 86cm enlarged images from Yvonne J Foster's publication 'Inside' . Autumn Exhibition 16th - 24th September 2017 The Regency Town House, Hove 5 artists, 3 exhibitions, 1 venue Featuring artworks by Sussex artists Rachel Cohen, Yvonne J Foster, Deborah Petch, Rachel Redfern and Jim Sanders. "Drawing Insight - The aim of the Arts Council-funded Insight Partnership is to bring together artists from different creative backgrounds in order to experience each other’s ways of working, learn from each other and explore the connection between arts and health." Showing unseen work created during the project by Yvonne J Foster: 'Art as Storytelling' Fragments 13th - 18th December 2016 The Regency Town House, Hove Fragments - an exhibition of Brighton Artists: Katie Bailey, Tom Barwell, Topher and Yvonne J Foster. Supported by Creative Future . "Your work is wonderful. The pharmacy exhibition is world class. Your little pictures mighty. Well done. Best in show." Previewing new 'Pharmaceutical Boxes' work from Yvonne J Foster's Miniature Artworks and Miniature Boxes. Inextricable 10th - 21st October 2016 Churchill Square, Brighton A special pop-up exhibition created for Brighton's Photo Fringe Festival. "With a backdrop of the city's major shopping complex, the theme explores 'loanwords' in the English language that you can find on the high street - everyday words which are firmly entrenched in British Culture, but have actually been adopted from another language." Organised and curated by Urbanflo Creative Showing new photographic work by Yvonne J Foster. Debuting her series 'Look Down ' . A Journey 23rd May - 23rd Sept 2016 Institute of Mental Health, Nottingham A Journey: Loneliness, Hope & Resilience A City Arts' collaborative exhibition, including images from Yvonne J Foster's publication 'Inside ' . Sussex Craft and Design Fair July 2015 Enterprise Centre, Eastbourne "In association with Pop UP Brighton, the largest craft & design fair in Eastbourne this summer, with more than 20 of the region's most innovative and creative craft-makers & designers." Including images selected from Yvonne J Foster's 'Ice Cream Artworks ' . Postcards from the Edges Sept - Nov 2013 Bankside Gallery, Southbank, London; Baltic Mill Gallery, Gateshead; Grant Bradley Gallery, Bedminster, Bristol; Camp and Furnace, Liverpool. "Postcards from the Edges - Through artwork, poetry, photography, stories, collages or messages, United Response asked people with disabilities to express what is important to them and put it on a postcard. To hear about the full range of life experiences, good and bad." Press: The Social Issue , The Guardian and The Guardian in pictures Including work from Yvonne J Foster's first publication 'Inside' . Doodlefest May 2014 ONCA Gallery, Brighton "Happy Planet's Doodlefest an event within Brighton Fringe Festival exploring the theme of happiness via the art of doodling. Broadly examining the intrinsic link between our emotional wellbeing, the natural environment and human behaviour. With themes such as giving, gratitude, togetherness, creativity, play and friendship." Yvonne J Foster's Brighton Panorama Doodle-sketch was sold in the charity auction, raising money for the charity Mind. Impact Art Fair July 2013 Block 336, Brixton, London "Showcasing work by highly talented artists whose opportunities are limited by mental health issues, disability, chronic ill health or social circumstance." Organised by Creative Future "A thoroughly humbling, moving experience, one of the best of my life" - Steve Murison First public art fair showing Yvonne J Foster's series 'Inside' . Be Nice I'm Scared December 2012 Yolo's, Hove Yvonne J Foster's first exhibition in over 12 years. As part of a group exhibition with Eclectica Artists supported by Creative Future . BBC Radio Sussex, Danny Pike Interview about living with depression. Debuting selected works from Yvonne J Foster's new series 'Inside ' .

Invisibles from Yvonne J Foster's 'Ice Cream Artworks' series Invisibles Get in touch if you are interested in commissioning a portrait Ice Cream Artworks The Ice Cream Artworks are inspired by the illustrative style of the early 20th Century, especially the work of artist Coles Phillips, known for his stylish images and signature use of negative space. In 1908 he launched his “Fadeaway Girl” style used in advertisements and magazine covers. In the Invisibles series elements are strip away, leaving only specific details with a circle motif and bright colours. Created from photographs of every day people eating ice cream (and one lollipop). Lynn Suzie Tracy Bryony

Cinema Stars from Yvonne J Foster's 'Ice Cream Artworks' series Ice Cream Artworks Contact to purchase Limited Edition Prints Cinema Stars Inspired by the illustrative style of the early 20th Century, 1930s and the golden age of cinema, the Ice Cream Artworks use a mix of greyscale and vivid colour. Based on snapshots of the past, they portray moments of childlike pleasure. The Ice Cream Artworks series starts with ‘Cinema Stars’, bright coloured images based on real snapshots of celebrities from the 1930s and 1940s eating ice cream. Bette on Green Choc Ices with Paul Mint Choc Chip with Ginger Ices with Ingrid Ice Cream Sundae With Norma Jean Cones with Carole Hollywood Ices with William Bette on Grey Limited Edition Prints: 30cm x 30cm - £100 unframed, limited edition of 10. 60cm x 60cm - £250 unframed, limited edition of 10. Special Limited Edition of 'Bette on Grey' 110cm x 110cm - £650 unframed, limited edition of 5.

Tread the stairs to the basement and you will travel back five hundren years. Here you may glimpse a sign of the mysterious alchemist. The Alchemist Tread the stairs to the basement and you will travel back four hundred years. Here you may glimpse a sign of the mysterious Alchemist. His transmutation attempts of lead into gold have failed. Now he wanders in shadows capturing the memories you have lost or left behind.

During the winter of 2019 I experienced a period where I wasn't able to sleep. I filled the time by crosshatching on an old pianola roll. The Pianola Roll During the winter of 2019 I experienced a period where I wasn't able to sleep. I filled the time by crosshatching on an old pianola roll. Working on a section at a time, I only ever saw what would fit on my table. As the work progressed I realised there was much more paper than I had thought. It took many many hours to complete and is my largest piece of work to date. It has the same level of detail as my Miniature Artworks but in comparison the size is enormous. I initially tried to measure it by unravelling it from the top the stairs at The Regency Town House in Hove - four flights up and it was still too long. Instead I measured in sections. The Pianola Roll is 691 inches or 57.58333 feet long, which is 17.5514 metres or around the height of three giraffes. Exhibited as part of the 3am Project online exhibition in 2022 Online Exhibition responding to the ideas of sleepless nights and nocturnal offerings. 'The Pianola Roll' was one of just fifteen works awarded as a highly commended.

Things I've Done Exhibitions Ice Cream Artworks Miniature Artworks Finding Dad My Miniature Art Gallery The Alchemist Brain Landscapes The Pianola Roll Art as Storytelling Drawing Insight Make Your Mark Look Down Portraits Brighton Panorama Know Thyself Inside Early Work

'Drawing Insight' a collaborative project with Outside In and Chichester University Drawing Insight Drawing Insight: a collaborative project supported by Chichester University and Outside In funded by Arts Council England in 2017. Three artists were selected to participate in the Insight project; Deborah Petch and Rachel Redfern , recent graduates of the MA Fine Art programme at the University of Chichester and Yvonne J Foster, a Brighton based Outside In artist. Rachel worked in the capacity of project facilitator. The aim of the Insight Partnership was to bring together artists from different creative backgrounds in order to experience each other's ways of working, learn from each other and explore the connection between arts and health. The collaboration culminated in an exhibition at Pallant House Gallery in March 2017 and at The Regency Town House Autumn Exhibitions in September 2017, and included a series of public talks and practical workshops. The Drawing Insight exhibition booklet in PDF format. Rosie Powell's film of Drawing Insight on You Tube. Deborah, Rachel and Yvonne Miniature sketchbook and box Deborah's inklings Miniature and Huge Landscapes Collage and Crosshatched Concertina Crosshatched and Stitched Concertina

Portraits Get in touch if you are interested in commissioning a portrait The Tellwright Trio Tracy Self Portrait Steve at Pendine The Top Bananas Steve Candy Stripe Aussie Lollies Bryony Matt and Spike

Who was Seymour? A shoe box filled with paper ephemera tells the story of one mans life. Following his journey through primary school and leaving home for the first time for boarding school, to surviving two world wars. A jumble of handwritten letters now lovingly organised and brought to life in two antique photo albums. Ancestry research into his life has helped build a family tree and made sense of the authors and recipients of the letters but there are still more questions than answers about his life. So, who was Seymour?