Chatburn artist launches solo exhibition in Clitheroe

Artist Helen Smith is preparing to open her new solo exhibition of deeply personal paintings ranging from family portraits to abstract figurative.
Helen Smith, who has a new exhibition at Ribble Valley Art Studios, pictured with some of her workHelen Smith, who has a new exhibition at Ribble Valley Art Studios, pictured with some of her work
Helen Smith, who has a new exhibition at Ribble Valley Art Studios, pictured with some of her work

Previewing today, Friday, April 26th, at Ribble Valley Art Studios, Clitheroe, it features her painting “Broken”, which won the studio’s open exhibition last year.

Helen (39), from Chatburn, studied at Blackburn and gained her fine art degree in 2011. It was during this time she developed her skills as a portrait artist into a more free and expressive way of painting.

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Helen said: “This is a great opportunity for me to show my life’s work so far and ironically the exhibition coincides with my 40th birthday.

“At the same time the exhibition signifies the end of an era for me, as I have just been given a great career opportunity which may mean I will have to put away the paint brushes for a while.”

Keith Parkinson, of Ribble Valley Art Studios, said: “Helen’s winning piece is a bold and expressive study with strong emotional connections and we’re all excited to see it sitting alongside Helen’s other work.”

The exhibition will run until May 25th at the studios in Bowland Chambers, Harris Court, Wellgate.

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The studios are home to eight local artists who work on the premises and can often be seen during opening days, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., working on their varied projects.

They are all happy to talk to visitors about what they are up to.

Beverley Chapelhow and Keith Parkinson run a Wednesday evening class and various weekend and school holiday workshops for adults and children.