Art exhibition opens with 300 original pieces

An exhibition showcasing more than 300 pieces of original artwork is open over the Easter weekend.

The annual Easter Art Exhibition, which is organised by the Isle of Man Art Society, runs until Monday and is open from 10:00 until 18:00 BST daily at the Villa Marina Arcade in Douglas.

The display showcases work created by the art society's members, and includes oil, acrylic, watercolour and ink art, as well as ceramic, glass and woodcraft work.

Linda Quirk, Secretary of the Isle of Man Art Society said there was a "diverse range of artwork" which meant there was "something for everybody".

With work from 92 artists on display, Ms Quirk said: "I try to encourage members to have a go, because it is a real buzz to show your work, and have people comment on it."

Manx artists tended to "lean on the benefits of living on the Isle of Man" and the "beauty of our surroundings so inevitably you have nature in most of the artwork here", she said.

Clare Barber, vice chairwoman of Biosphere Isle of Man, which works in partnership with the art society for the exhibition, said the island's unique culture and Biosphere continued to "fuel creativity".

The display was a "staple of the Manx cultural calendar", she added.

Included in the exhibition is artist Janine Skelly's contemporary work depicting Manx harbour scenes, which will be used in an upcoming Isle of Man Post Office stamp collection.

A spokesperson for the art society said it was a "wonderful opportunity to engage with the local art community" and "meet the artists behind the masterpieces".

The Isle of Man Art Society was founded in 1953 with 28 artists involved, but its membership has since grown to more than 300.

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