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Artist Kyam hosted a workshop exploring stained glass. Having been commissioned to respond to Touchstones’ historic multi-panelled window that once showcased stained glass portraits of prominent female creatives, Kyam introduced a simple drawing activity using acrylic squares and oil based marker pens to mirror the effect of coloured stained glass designs. Inspired by the recently re-opened town hall and the mass of stained glass in the building that documents different plants, produce and countries Rochdale once traded with, Kyam asked the group to draw some of their favourite food or food utensils to tell a story of their own heritage.

“80% of my identity is my food, what I cook, how I cook, how we eat together”

Thinking about what objects and foods reflected their identity, the group created a range of drawings depicting everything from ceramic pots or Mitti Handi* to decorative metal tea pots, fruit bowls, varenyky**, ice creams, boiled eggs, spoons, mint plants and chicken soup. The drawings will form part of a digital cookery book Kyam is developing in conjunction with community portraits echoing the original stained glass window designs.

*clay cooking and serving pots

**Ukrainian dumplings