100 artists unleash their creativity during lockdown

Each week they have been producing artwork and words in response to themes set by Ribble Valley Borough Council’s arts development team.

And the mini-masterpieces from the Isolation Art project have been posted on the council’s arts development Facebook page and are to be exhibited at the Platform Gallery, Clitheroe, in due course.

Katherine Rodgers, the council’s arts development officer, said: “At this extremely challenging time, we believe creativity can unite people and support their mental health.

“And we wanted to shine a light on the fabulous artistic talent in our borough, as well as encourage beginners to try their hand at something new. We have received nearly 100 submissions, including paintings, photography, poetry and print, and have been astounded by the quality, depth and breadth of work.”

Isolation Art was the idea of Sabden artist Dorothy Moore, who added: “I only started painting several years ago and as soon as I get a brush in my hand I feel uplifted. I find painting very comforting and thought it might do the same for others during these difficult months. I would encourage people to try their hand at art, because like me they might be surprised at what they can achieve.”

You can use any art form you wish to take part in Isolation Art – you can write, draw, film, paint, perform, photograph, sew or sculpt. New themes are posted at ribblevalley.gov.uk each week and forthcoming themes include Food, for the week beginning June 8th, and Home, for the week beginning June 15th.

E-mail your work to [email protected], who will share it on the council’s arts development social media channels. Selected pieces will be exhibited at the Platform Gallery in due course and further details are available ribblevalley.gov.uk/isolationart.