A MIRFIELD artist has won an award at one of the UK’s top trade shows.

Sculptor Samantha Bryan was presented with the Wow Factor Award at the British Trade Craft Fair in Harrogate.

Her success was particularly pleasing for Batley-based arts support group Loca. It is the second year running that one of Loca’s clients has won the award after Helaina Sharpley, who also lives in Mirfield, was the winner.

Both artists have been involved with Loca, which supports artists and creative businesses. They have attended workshops and networking events as well as receiving one-to-one advice on ways to develop their work and business.

Robin Widdowson, projects manager at Loca, said: “It’s been a privilege to work with Samantha and I am pleased Loca has been able to contribute to her success.”

Said Samantha: “The ‘Wow Factor’ is a particularly flattering award as each exhibitor votes for the exhibitor whose work they feel is the most outstanding in the show. I was shocked that my work was chosen.”

Samantha, who is based at a group studio at Radiant Works in William Street, Huddersfield, gained a degree in design crafts at Herefordshire College of Art and Design after completing foundation studies in art and design at Dewsbury College of Art and Design.

Inspired by Victorian inventions, she creates unusual free-standing, wall mounted and suspended figures of fairy characters using a variety of materials.

She has been commissioned to provide artwork for Batley Health Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and Allerton Primary School in Lincolnshire.

Samantha has also exhibited at venues including Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Somerset House and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Craft Centre and Design Gallery in Leeds, and Ferrers Gallery Leicestershire as well as in Germany and the USA.

Loca, based at Redbrick Mill, offers free support to artists and creative businesses in the area. Contact Robin Widdowson on 01924 488844 or email loca.admin@loca.co.uk