Tameside's artistic talent is once again centre stage with the opening of the 2023 Open Art exhibition, which has begun its three-month run at Astley Cheetham Art Gallery in Stalybridge.

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The annual event, which was opened by the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Cllr Tafheen Sharif, is one of the longest-running exhibitions of its kind in the country. It is special in that any of the borough’s residents can submit work and have it shown in a professional gallery setting.

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There are 95 items on display including paintings, photography, collage, embroidery, ceramics and woodwork. This year, for the first time, contributors have been invited to give some information about their art and why they created it.

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Stephen Wilson explains what he created his Noah's Ark wood carvings: "Noah’s Ark started off as something to occupy my time whilst the wife watched Bargain Hunt. All animals are checked by her, my chief quality controller. If she says what it is, it’s a fail and I know its firewood and not even Noah would accept it, ha ha!"

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Tiger Studies was painted by Anthony Bennett: “I enjoy figurative painting, as well as animal painting – wildlife in particular. With the magnificent tigers, one of my firm favourites with their striking burnt orange and dark striped fur. (Which, surprisingly, makes them ideal for concealment while hunting.) In these studies, I endeavoured to convey the feline characteristics these tigers share with their much smaller cousins – the pet cat. Only you wouldn’t want to pet a tiger!”

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Cllr Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s executive member for culture and heritage, said: “The beauty of the open art exhibition is that it’s so democratic. It’s open to everyone, giving all our residents the chance to see their work properly displayed in a gallery. However, that is in no way to suggest it is any kind of amateur event. There’s an extraordinary amount of talent in Tameside and the submitted art is though-provoking, impressive and of a very high standard.”

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Many of the artworks are for sale, making this an excellent opportunity to purchase unique local art.

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Astley Cheetham Art Gallery is on Trinity Street, Stalybridge, above the library. Its opening hours are: Mondays and Tuesdays, 9am to 1pm; Wednesdays, 1 to 5pm; Saturdays, 10am to 3pm. There is a self-led crafts table for children.

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