Artist excited to take part in exhibition

Alicia Walker is a talented textile artist from Wolstanton who is thrilled to be part of the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition. She stands proudly in front of her artwork, wearing a white and green top and smiling for the camera. Behind her are two paintings and a patchwork piece, all created by artists from Staffordshire, Shropshire, and Cheshire. The exhibition is being held at Fenton Town Hall in Stoke-on-Trent and will run until August 30. Out of 300 artists who submitted their work, only 97 pieces were chosen for the show, according to Keele University, which helped organize the event. Alicia said she was excited to participate and called it a fantastic opportunity for artists like herself.

The Three Counties Open Art Exhibition features a wide variety of artwork, including paintings, photographs, textiles, and even a motorbike installation. Alicia, who recently graduated, explained that her work explores the loss of traditional craftsmanship in north Staffordshire, especially in the pottery industry in Stoke-on-Trent and the silk and natural dye industry in Leek. Her piece, Factory Worker's Jacket, was inspired by the tough conditions pottery workers faced in factories, where they often had to repair their worn-out uniforms. Alicia used vintage and naturally dyed fabrics, patchworked them together, distressed them, and visibly mended them to tell the story of these workers. The exhibition is free to attend and has been running for 29 years. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday, between 11:00 and 15:00 BST, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the diverse range of art on display.

Another artist featured in the exhibition is Susan Carr, a 58-year-old painter from Crewe. Susan began painting 20 years ago to help cope with the grief of losing her son. Her painting, Coming Home, was inspired by news reports about people forced to leave their homes because of war. Susan wanted to show the desperation and fear that comes with losing everything, but also the strength people find to survive. She said painting has brought her great joy and many friendships, and she believes that age should never stop anyone from being creative. The exhibition also includes artwork by other local artists, such as a piece showing a young person jumping in front of a graffitied wall and another featuring a woman in a striped top against a matching background. The Three Counties Open Art Exhibition is a wonderful opportunity for people to see the creativity and talent of artists from the region, learn about their stories, and be inspired by their work.

Visitors to the exhibition can enjoy a wide range of art styles and subjects, from traditional paintings and photographs to modern installations like the motorbike. The event is a celebration of local art and creativity, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. Alicia Walker and Susan Carr are just two examples of artists who have used their experiences and emotions to create meaningful art. The exhibition is open to everyone and is a great way to support local artists and discover new perspectives. If you are interested in art or want to learn more about the stories behind the pieces, be sure to visit Fenton Town Hall before August 30. The Three Counties Open Art Exhibition is a unique event that showcases the best of local art and offers visitors a chance to connect with the artists and their work.