Responding to the new museum exhibition, 'Object Lessons' we took over the Manchester Museum After Hours with our take on collecting culture, paper craft, biology and curiosities. 

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The event included show and tells, making, workshops, interactive installations, poetry, music and musings as we displayed and discussed our own significant objects and ponder what and why people collect. 

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Specific stands and activities included:

UNDERSTANDING THE FEMALE BODY
Local performative art collective MCR Wild Wuns present a satirical, interactive performance (loosely) based on the history of the female genitalia. Excuse me ma’am, do you know where the clitoris is?

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PASS IT ON SWAP SHOP GROTTO
Bring an item you no longer need or want, and hand it over on your way in, to receive a beautifully wrapped surprise on the way out. One person’s junk is another's treasure!

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EXHIBITION OF THE OBSOLETE

A miniature exhibit of redundant technology, some of it dated, some of it relatively recent as an observation regarding our changing relationship with and reliance upon technology which we often prize and then discard.

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INTERACTIVE INSTALLATION: SAVE THE CULTURE AND COLLECTIONS
Following on from our display of dated technology, we shared collections of cultural items and documents which are slowly being replaced, alongside various collections from our local community along with the facts, figures and memories these collections hold.

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CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP
What is it about certain objects that makes them special? Julie Burrow led 45 minute creative writing workshops, using objects and our relationship with them as stimulus. Beginners were totally welcome- girl gang events are places in which we actively encourage you to try something new and outside of your usual comfort zone!

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MODERN STILL LIFE DRAWING
We drew enough sheep skulls and dusty red wine bottles at school to last us a life time, so this time we drew what was in our hand bags instead! Materials were provided and artistic experience/ability totally irrelevant, the stand was there for everyone to have a go!

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PAPER FLOWER WORKSHOP
Responding to the theme of "Blurring the boundaries between art and science" and the paper flowers featured within the exhibit itself, Girl Gang and Handmade Cinema artist Ellie Ragdale led a drop in paper flower making workshop through out the evening.  

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SHOW AND TELLS
People from our community shared objects of significance and memories, facts and fiction which accompany them. With contributions from scientists, beauty bloggers, collectors, artists, poets and more, the show and tell was a mixture of programmed speakers and open mic slots.