Finest form

THERE’S nothing artists like better than a good knees- up to showcase their art. That’s exactly how a trio of Sunderland galleries decided to launch their latest joint exhibition, Nile Street Solstice.

The programme started at Creative Cohesion, where the newly- commissioned furnace was fi: ed up so g5ass a: tist Roge: Tye cou5d show viewers how it’s done.

The crowd were then treated to an eclectic mix of entertainment as performers were invited to exchange a song, poem or piece of music for a glass- blowing lesson.

Studio Infinite was the ne. t ga55e: y to th: ow open its doors, where Liz Shaw gave a Raku fi: ing of ce: a- ic pots and visito: s we: e t: eated to the debut screening of Jo Howell’s solo show of photographic work.

A: t 5ove: s then - oved on to the fina5 s5ot of the night, where an array of art covered the wa55s f: o- floo: to cei5ing and - usica5 performances kept the crowd going.

Seaham poet James Oates, who teamedup with Sunderland artist Barrie West for a collaboration of words and paint, also gave an entertaining performance of poems from his colelction, Levitating Rust.

Frank Styles, director and artist at Studio Q, said: “The exhibition was a great success and was really well attended on the opening night.

“I’ve been amazed by the quality of the work that has been submitted, especially the photography.

“In a time where every Thomas, Richard and Harold with a digital camera is becoming a photographer, it takes something special to stand out from the crowd and we have some work here that does just that.”

The exhibition remains open to the public between noon and 5pm until Saturday.

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