Hundreds turn out for People's Art launch

Srishti Pandey with her painting 'Happy Day', Cecile Biant, Mayoress of Rochdale and Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Surinder Biant

4 More Image(s) In Gallery

Almost 200 people turned out on Saturday (26 September) to see the Mayor of Rochdale, officially open this year's People's Art 2015 exhibition at Touchstones.

This popular annual exhibition gives the chance for residents of all ages, both amateur and professional to show their work. Once again, this year, the huge array of talent on display has filled two full galleries with examples of paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, animation and craft objects.

Declaring the exhibition open, the Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Surinder Biant congratulated all those taking part, adding: “I am very privileged to be here. We have a beautiful borough and equally talented people, of all ages, that exist in the borough. A huge congratulations to all those who have been involved in putting the exhibition together.”

Tom Besford, Arts & Heritage Manager of organiser Link4Life, added: “Having recently come in to post, I have been amazed to see the breath and quality of work on display at the People’s Art exhibition in Touchstones Rochdale. The exhibition really demonstrates the stunning number of skilled artistic and visionary members of the public who live or work in the Borough with a keen amateur or professional interest in art.

"Of the 182 paintings, photographs and sculptures on display, many are available for to buy with works starting from as little as £20. There really are some beautiful pieces to suit everyone with an interest in the visual arts, from wonderful images of the Town Hall to abstract acrylics with vivid and powerful colours and themes. I really urge everyone no matter how keen your interest is in visual art to pop over to Touchstones and see the spectacular quality and range of work produced from within this talented Borough.”

Visitors to the exhibition can vote for their favourite artwork in the 'People's Choice' award and there are free hands on activities for children in the gallery with the popular 'Art Paddock'.

The exhibition runs until Saturday 21 November 2015.

Located on The Esplanade just a two minute walk from Rochdale town centre and bus station, Touchstones is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm.

Entry is free.