Ellesmere Hosts National Art Exhibition

Ellesmere College once again hosted an exhibition that involves hundreds of pieces of art from across the UK. More than 70 artists and sculptors exhibited their work at the annual National Art Exhibition. The event also featured a preview evening hosted by its patron, Algernon Heber-Percy, the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire.

This year saw the introduction of artists' workshops, which provided budding artists with an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas. Portrait painter Maximillion Baccanello held a workshop to explore a variety of drawing techniques and tools. He recently exhibited in London at the Society of Portrait Sculptors Exhibition at the Cork Street Gallery where he was awarded the Tiranti Prize for under 30's sculptor of the year.

With more than 600 visitors, organisers say the aim of the arts exhibition is the raise the profile of the arts in the region. Nick Pettingale, director of external relations, said: "We have always been passionate about the arts at Ellesmere and after our inaugural exhibition last year; we were even more excited about this year's event.

"Our goal was to see the artistic talent, both local and national, celebrated and given a higher profile in the region. This wasn't a display of our students work, great though that is, but rather that of professional artists and sculptors. There was something for every taste and pocket."