Award winner revealed at art exhibition

ARTISTS and art lovers enjoyed the first glimpse of an exhibition of works by members of the prestigious Manchester Academy of Fine Arts (MAFA) at Gallery Oldham during a special preview.

The exhibition was formally opened by Warren Smith JP, Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, and in attendance was Oldham-based artist and current MAFA president John McCombs.

Sculptor Danny Clahane was named winner of the Dr Barbara Oldham Memorial Award, created in honour of ardent academy supporter, the late Dr Barbara Oldham OBE.

He was awarded the £1,000 cash prize for his stone sculpture entitled South Wind.

The exhibition comprises 100 specially selected watercolours, oils, drawings, prints and sculptures and will be on display at Gallery Oldham until January 16.

The academy has a membership of over 100 of the finest painters, printmakers and sculptors across the region and recently celebrated its 150th anniversary.

To celebrate the exhibition, a series of workshops costing £20 — with some places free to people in benefits — will be held at the gallery.

For more information and to book a place call 0161-770 4653.