Share your aspirations at Leamington gallery

Gallery 150 in Livery Street is giving visitors the chance to help create a photography exhibition by completing the statement ‘Before I Die ...’ with any words they like.

The idea came from a young woman called Candy in New Orleans, who lost a loved one and turned the side of an abandoned house into a giant chalkboard onto which she stencilled ‘Before I die, I want to ...” - intending for any passers-by to pick up a piece of chalk and share their personal aspirations in a public space.

By the next day the wall was entirely filled out - and the concept has now grown worldwide.

Gerry Smith, trustee of Gallery 150, said: “The idea has gone viral around the world, but nothing has happened in the UK as yet - and this will be the first time it’s in a gallery.

“We had more than 2,500 visitors come to our last summer show, so we are expecting to get a lot of people taking part in this.”

Every person who contributes a statement will have the opportunity to have their portrait taken by a photographer from the Leamington Studio Artists, of which Gerry is the chairman.

Each day of the three weeks for which the concept is running will start afresh with new statements for the day, but each one will be recorded and displayed on the gallery’s website.

The project will culminate in an exhibition of the best statements and images to go on display at a private viewing on August 26.

Gerry said: “It will be a fascinating reflection of life, love and people.”

Before I Die is running until Sunday August 26.

Entry is free. Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 6pm and Sunday, 11am to 4pm.