Stroud resident Marisa Tommasini is one of some 15 emerging artists whose artwork has been selected to be part of the inaugural Lansdown Arts Showcase exhibition taking place daily (10am to 5pm) this week.

Marisa's work joins five other artists who are exhibiting their creations for the first time, with two of her mixed media pieces on display at Lansdown Gallery which depict the serene chaos of nature.

The exhibition has been organised and curated by Jessy Plant, who is also a talented artist in her own right.

"I really wanted to enable others to have opportunity to display their work as I believe it so important to encourage others in their creative expression," she said from the opening day of the exhibition.

"I have benefited from those more experienced helping me bring my work to a wider audience so I thought it time to create an event that did the same for others with a link to the area," Jessy added.

DiSect's collage work has been chosen as has the watercolour birds of Stephen Baxter - both, like Marisa, are exhibiting their work for the first time.

About 60 pieces of artwork were sent for consideration, up to five per person. The shortlist was then selected by a panel of three local judges, who are all experienced artists in their own right.

"We did our best to included everyone who submitted work, so there's an average of two to three pieces per artist," said Jessy.

The work of the judges - Angie Spencer, Millie Wood Swanepoel and Nigel Westaway - is also on display and for sale. 

The exhibition runs until Sunday, August 4, 10am - 5pm.

Stroud News and Journal:

Stroud News and Journal: Stephen Baxter's great tit watercolour in the foregroundStephen Baxter's great tit watercolour in the foreground