Just for Pleasure: Impressions of Mirfield

The natural beauty of Mirfield is the subject of a new exhibition at the Creative Arts Hub gallery this month. Launching on 8th September, the show of oil paintings includes a selection of new, previously unexhibited works alongside popular works last displayed in the town over five years ago. The artist, Dinah Bowden – a former Mayoress – is keen to emphasise the enjoyment that she derives from the painting process: her exhibition is simply titled ‘Just for Pleasure: Impressions of Mirfield’.

Artist Dinah has lived in Mirfield for over 45 years. She was born in Manchester where she studied textile design and later worked in a design studio, specialising in West African prints. Her love of the fine arts led her to further studies including life drawing, painting and sculpture. These studies sustained her continuing devotion to the creative arts. Living in Mirfield has fostered an enduring appreciation of the surrounding countryside and waterways and has been crucial in providing inspiration for most of the works on show.

Consisting largely of images which emphasise the abundance of picturesque green spaces around the centre of the town, Dinah’s work draws attention to woodland, waterways and other ‘nature spaces’ which may often be overlooked by visitors to the town. As long-term members of the Mirfield Community Partnership, Dinah and her husband Hugh have worked tirelessly to raise funds and improve such spaces – including Ladywood and the sunken garden at Eastthorpe – for the benefit of the local community.

Dinah will be hosting an ‘afternoon tea’ at the gallery on 24th September. Gallery visitors are welcome to join the artist for tea, coffee and scones from 2pm to 4pm, and to view the exhibition and chat to Dinah about her about the paintings.

The gallery is open from 10am to 5pm, Wednesday to Friday, and 10am to 3pm on Saturday. Entry to the gallery is free. For further details contact mark@creativeartshub.org.uk, or ring 01924 492775. We regret that there is no disabled access to Creative Arts Hub.

For more information visit http://www.facebook.com/creativeartshubmirfield