Visual Artist Carys Wilson was artist-in-residence at Exeter Central Library for the final three days of the Week in the Life of Exeter Central Library project.

Carys made a 'Drawing Train' in the foyer of the library - an organic drawing that combined observations of people, with the library surroundings, and the structure of the building. Her worked focussed on people who were in the library, drawing them herself, and encouraging others to join her.  

During these three days, Carys took full advantage of all that was going on in the library.  She was as likely to be found working with the University of the Third Age meeting in the music room as studying children enjoying the rocking horse in the children’s library.  Old and young, all were drawn to join her: senior library users in their 90s and junior under-5s all were inspired to get creative with Carys.

Carys ran several workshops in the library.  One morning she worked with a Home Education Group.  The children, supported by their parents, drew some wonderful pictures of the library and its staff, users and activities, and many entered the competition.

Art students from Exeter College worked with Carys on another day.  Divided into three groups, the students were to be found throughout the library with enormous sheets of paper, plastic and lots of charcoal, busy capturing life in the library – they came up with some remarkable pictures and got very dirty in the process!