From scenes of the Yorkshire coast to a wild-eyed abstract – a dramatically varied collection of work by six Kirklees artists has been unveiled at the Creative Arts Hub in Mirfield.
The new Six by Six exhibition offers a sample of the diverse creative activity taking place across Kirklees and features the work of Dewsbury Arts Group member Ken Beaumont; Huddersfield artistic personality China 9 (Dex Hannon); Mirfield teacher Karen Stansfield; Colne Valley painter Matthew Stutely; Heckmondwike’s Roger Hallas and Indian-born Anzal Musejee, who now lives in Dewsbury.
Six by Six exhibitor Ken Beaumont paints in a traditional and figurative style and is inspired by the landscapes of the East Coast. His work could not be more different from that of China 9, whose canvasses are filled with organic abstract shapes, bold colours and chaotic movement. China 9 is one of four artistic personalities belonging to Dex Hannon, who works under the umbrella of the Broken Toy Company.
Karen Stansfield is an artist and printmaker whose work explores mark-making methods. She teaches the Beginner Textile Printing course at The Hub.
In Six by Six, Matthew Stutely is exhibiting his large-scale animal portraits - works that have gained him an international reputation; while Roger Hallas is showing striking semi-abstract landscapes and cityscapes.
Anzal Musejee says he is inspired by traditional painting but also produces modern work and is showing both strands of his interests in the exhibition, which closes on December 20.
As well as showcasing contemporary art, The Hub gallery on Huddersfield Road has become one of the area’s focal points for art education, offering workshops and art classes for adults and children. It also hosts themed shows. Running alongside Six by Six is a mini-exhibition of First World War-inspired art by West Yorkshire weaver Carrie Scott-Huby.
The Hub has recently been awarded funding from Kirklees Council’s Arts in the Neighbourhood scheme, which will enable it to run a new series of fortnightly art sessions in North Kirklees and evening classes for older children. The funded projects will culminate in a children’s art exhibition next Spring.
Current exhibitions can be viewed from Wednesday to Friday, 10am until 5pm, and on Saturday from 10am until 3pm.
