Art in frame at Staffordshire's Shugborough Hall
Artists from around Staffordshire have had their work put on display in a new exhibition.
Photographers, sculptors and painters have come together at Shugborough Hall in Stafford to show off some of their greatest pieces as part of the 'Staffordshire Enjoy Art' programme.
The IN:HOUSE exhibition started at the historic home last week and will run until May 2.
Around 20 artists have offered more than 80 pieces of work, which is on display in the former cinema room of Patrick Anson, 5th Earl of Lichfield, a keen photographer who lived on the estate until his death in 2005.
Greg Smith, project co-ordinator, said: "We've got a mix of the disciplines under one roof.
"We've got photography, we've got ceramics and sculpture. There's textile designs from fabric makers. Obviously we have paintings - from traditional water colours to more abstract acrylic work. The subject matter is varied as well.
"We don't set a brief for these exhibitions or set a theme for them to work on.
"The only criteria is that they must be professional or semi-professional, and they must be living and working inside Staffordshire.
"It's so we raise awareness of these artists and we sell pieces – but in the long term, it's about people knowing the artists are around and encouraging them to learn more."
The Shugborough exhibition is the first of three that will be held this year.
A second, IN:SHAPE, will be held at World of Wedgwood in Stoke-on-Trent from June 27 to August 8.
The third and final exhibition, IN: TOWN, will be opened at the Shire Hall Gallery from September 17 to October 23.
Greg said: "It's a fantastic opportunity for artists.
"They come and have an afternoon together, or maybe an evening networking, so they can see their work on display.
"A lot of these artists are independent, working from their own studios. That can feel lonely, so they like this opportunity to come together so they can build friendships and associations.
"The idea is that the Enjoy Art initiative can be enjoyed all year around.
"More often than not we'll get artists across all exhibitions, so they can showcase their portfolio across the year. It's nice to be able to offer them ongoing support."
