There were some beautiful works of art on display in Ross-on-Wye Baptist Church at an annual art exhibition, which took place last week.

Entry to the exhibition was free of charge and visitors received a warm welcome, a hot drink and biscuits, and an opportunity to browse masterpieces produced by some budding local artists.

All of the artwork on display was painted, drawn or sketched by members of the art clubs, which the Baptist Church host. On Monday mornings, Art Base is held. This is an art class, led by local artist, Mary Deaville.

On Tuesday mornings, there is Art Club. Although there is no teacher, the group work more independently, but they help each other, lending advice to one another.

Some of the artists were at the exhibition to talk to visitors, and a couple of ladies told the Ross Gazette that they enjoy the art groups so much because of the social aspect.

Mary Deaville told the Ross Gazette that she had given her ‘most improved’?award to a local woman, named Elaine, who had been coming to the art class, with her husband, for two years.

Mary explained that when Elaine started, she claimed she couldn’t draw, and she wanted to sit and wait for her husband to finish the art class, but with some persuasion, Elaine gradually joined in.

Last year, Mary said that Elaine did not submit any pieces for that exhibition, but this year, she entered two of her works of art.

She explained that Elaine’s confidence has grown so much since she started with Art Base. Mary added that this is her aim behind another of her projects, CHAPEL Creatives - Creatives Helping All People Enjoy Life.

Mary is currently trying to get CHAPEL Creatives started in Ross. She believes that when someone is focused on something creative, whether that is painting, writing, acting, or something musical, they are more likely to not think about things that may be causing them long term stress, giving them time to relax.