An extraordinary exhibition celebrating creativity, individuality and the stories behind the artists will open in the town centre this March as part of Wigan Arts Festival 2026.
Hosted at Scary’s Art Gallery at 68 Market Street, Wigan, the exhibition brings together an eclectic mix of artists from Wigan, the North West and the wider world, alongside a specially selected body of work by internationally known artist Scary Guy. Running from March 19 to 31, the exhibition is presented in collaboration with The Old Courts, a cultural hub operated by Wigan Heritage and Arts Trust, and offers visitors the opportunity to experience a diverse range of artistic styles and voices.
Scary Guy is a truly unique figure in the arts world.
Known for fusing creativity, wisdom, humour and life experience into his work, he has built an international reputation for art that challenges perceptions and sparks conversation.
For Wigan Arts Festival, he opens the doors of his gallery to showcase not only his own work but also artists whose creativity and stories resonate with his ethos. A festival spokesperson said: “The exhibition celebrates not only physical artworks but also the journeys and perspectives of the artists themselves.
“Visitors will encounter an inspiring mix of emerging and established creatives whose work reflects personal experience, social commentary and imaginative exploration.” Featured Artists
Ava Jolliffe An award-winning Deafblind disabled artist from Preston, Ava uses digital techniques to create striking and impactful artworks. A passionate advocate for the Deafblind community, her work challenges misconceptions and raises awareness about disability and accessibility.
Amaremo Elaebi A visual artist whose work explores individuality, societal issues and human relationships. Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, Elaebi draws on everyday life in Nigeria to examine themes including injustice, innocence and survival, often reflecting on political realities through powerful visual storytelling.
Simon Misra A graphic designer from Wigan who works in Manchester by day and illustrates by night “a bit like Batman but with pens.” Simon’s intricate and imaginative work has earned awards and commissions from global brands such as Adidas and bands including Death Cab For Cutie.
Roy Holland A Wigan-based artist known for intricate 3D holographic artworks that create mesmerising visual effects. Each piece reflects remarkable patience and craftsmanship, revealing a captivating aesthetic when viewed from different angles.
Jill Norris A Northern artist whose work ranges from figurative to semi-abstract. Working primarily in oils from her home studio, she is widely exhibited under her maiden name, Jill Conroy.
Sharron Fiddler An emerging oil painter whose practice explores curiosity, emotional relevance and storytelling. Her work often draws on lived experience and the subtle absurdities of everyday life.
Noah Newbury At just eight years old, Wigan-based Noah brings youthful creativity to the exhibition. Inspired by his mother, he creates art daily as a way to relax, express feelings and explore new ideas.
Podcast: Crossing The Pond
To accompany the exhibition, The Old Courts has produced a special podcast conversation with Scary Guy. The episode will feature on “Crossing The Pond”, the podcast created by Wigan-born, Scouse-bred Gary Adair, which explores the stories, challenges and triumphs that come with life’s transitions.
Having swapped Wigan for New Jersey, Adair brings together guests from diverse backgrounds to discuss life journeys and unexpected paths. The episode featuring Scary Guy will be released on Monday 23rd March and available via Crossing The Pond, The Old Courts social channels, YouTube and wiganarts.co.uk.
Scary’s Art Gallery will be open to the public from 11am to 3pm daily from March 19 to 31. Admission is free. Works available for purchase will be clearly marked, with inquiries handled by gallery invigilators.
