Art Central, the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s exhibition space, paid host to nearly 100 guests on 8 March at the official opening of the Women’s Arts Association and Iron Maidens exhibition – part of celebrations for International Women’s Day.
Professor Teresa Rees, from the Cardiff School of Social Sciences based at Cardiff University, opened the exhibition. Professor Rees, who is an advocate for women’s work and rights, expressed her delight in being asked to open the exhibition and was extremely impressed by the artist talent and the high quality of the artwork on display.
The open exhibition (which runs at the gallery until 27 March) features over 75 examples of art works including an inspiring range of paintings, prints, drawings, photographs and sculptures from women artists across the south Wales area. All the pieces have been selected by the Women’s Arts Association, which works in partnership with practitioners, communities and funding bodies to develop creative opportunities for women across all art forms.
This year, it is also supported by pieces from the Iron Maidens exhibition, consisting of sculptures and drawings by British and American women who work in cast iron.
Dilys Jackson, founder of Iron Maidens, said: “All of us have iron in our blood and working with the medium is an enticing, exciting art form that really does become a way of life. It’s wonderful that this exhibition has been put together as the very nature of casting iron requires artists to work in groups. Many of the women exhibiting, who are from both the UK and the USA, have worked together at some point. It’s a very sociable medium with wonderful results.”
International Women’s Day is a world-wide event which recognises and celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women.
Gwyneth Price, Chair of the Women’s Arts Association, said: “We’re delighted to once again have the opportunity to exhibit at Art Central, which continues to attract major exhibitions and interest on both a local and regional basis.
“This particular event includes works from over 80 different artists, which is remarkable as it clearly demonstrates there’s a healthy interest across south Wales. I was also surprised at the age group of those submitting works – there’s a young, dynamic group emerging which is very encouraging.”
Cllr Anthony Ernest, cabinet member for tourism and leisure, said: “We’re very grateful that the Women’s Arts Association and Iron Maidens exhibition has come to Art Central as part of celebrations for International Women’s Day. Both offer a wonderfully diverse and insightful range of works which I’m sure all visitors to the gallery will appreciate and enjoy.”
Art Central is based at the Town Hall, Barry, and is open 10am – 4pm, Tuesday – Saturday. Entry is free. For more information on exhibitions at Art Central please call 01446 700111 or visit the Art Central pages.
