Mayor’s original paintings go on sale at charity art exhibition

WARRINGTON’S Mayor Cllr Geoff Settle has organised a special charity watercolour exhibition which runs in Latchford village from August 21 to September 5.

It is the Mayor’s first solo painting exhibition when he will be putting up for sale a selection of his favourite watercolours which he has painted over recent years. In addition there will be mounted prints of the originals to purchase.

He said: “I’m looking forward to staging my first exhibition… if also somewhat apprehensive.

“I have only ever entered a couple of works in local exhibitions at Stockton Heath Arts Festival and Penketh Library but nothing as ambitious as this.”

The exhibition at the Picturesq Gallery on Knutsford Road in Latchford village, is one of several events that the Mayor will be organising throughout the year to raise money for his charities and all profits from the exhibition will go to the fund.

This year’s Mayoral theme is “Wellbeing of the Mind” – through Art, Exercise and Nature Conservation and proposed events will include a trail run around Moore Nature Reserve, a Sports Evening on the theme of “Overcoming adversity in sport and Peak Performance” and hopefully a Cross-Country event to celebrate the achievements of Warrington Athletic Club’s GB Silver winning Olympic Captain, Chris Vose, in the 1920 Antwerp Games.

Geoff said: “Watercolour is my favourite medium and I have thoroughly enjoyed painting them during my weekly art classes in Penketh. I try and keep those two hours blocked out in my calendar as it is my time to relax and have fun.

“As part of my Charity fund raising I now want to offer up these original paintings for sale. People will also have the opportunity to purchase mounted prints from the originals.”

The Mayor’s Charity Champion the popular Hashtag Teddy George will be making guest appearances during the fortnight.

He hopes that lots of people will visit the Mayor’s Charity Exhibition and in doing so benefit the Mayor’s Charities,  Bipolar UK, John Holt Cancer Support Foundation Trust, National Autistic Society and MacIntrye all of whom are doing great work in the town. The only one of these charities without a Warrington branch is Bipolar UK and the Mayor has pledged to help them set up a local support group.

The aim is for it to be self-supporting by the end of his term of office. It is hoped this process can be achieved  next month with a training session.

Pictures: Mayor’s Charity Champion Hashtag Teddy George at the Stockton Heath Arts Festival with two of Mayor’s Painting – Bee Orchids (below) and Fieldmouse with Blackberries.