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Sue Mottram is just one of the local artists and creatives that have their work on display at the Astley Cheetham Gallery, Stalybridge, as part of the Open Art Tameside exhibition.

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Her work, entitled Madonna and Child, is a painting produced with acrylics with added embellishments. It took Sue over 20 hours to complete.

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Sue, who has had her work shown before in previous Open Art exhibitions, wants viewers of the painting to feel a sense of tranquility and feelings of love when they look at the painting, which can also be used as a focus for prayer.

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“I am inspired by religious art, spires and towers and people from other cultures,” says Sue. I feel proud to be able to show my work in a gallery.  I have drawn and painted since  childhood but have produced more work since my retirement from office work.  This picture was produced just after lockdown.  I have a fascination with icons!

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“It is nice to see Stalybridge as a 'Town of Culture' and hope that it encourages more cultural initiatives in the town.  I think Tameside does fairly well to support creatives and artists but there is always room for more!”

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After a two year break, Open Art is back and provides the chance for artists and creatives in Tameside to showcase their work. Every piece of artwork submitted gets a place on the wall, and the initiative is one of the longest running open art exhibitions in the country.

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A range of artworks are on display - including paintings, drawings, prints, embroidery and photography. Many of the artworks are for sale, making this the perfect opportunity to buy some original local art.  Entry to the gallery is free.

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Find out more here:  https://www.intameside.co.uk/whats-on/open-art