Southend’s World Famous Pier has become a hotbed of creativity!

The new Cultural Centre at the end of the iconic Pier is just about to host its first major three-week exhibition of painting, photography and sculpture.

Called ‘Southend-on-Sea Tales,’ the free exhibition, from Wednesday 26th September to Saturday 13th October features a modern-day fairytale about Southend, the sea, and its mythology.

The inventive artwork tells the story of the mythical King of Southend-on-Sea, Braz; his instant love for the beautiful Princess Diane and their terrible fate when evil witch Bruxa wreaks havoc.

It is all produced by British/Brazilian art photographer Antonisia Schroder and Swiss/Brazilian artist Valquiria Imperiano, who co-wrote the fairytale.

Also on offer, for Saturday and Sunday, 6th and 7th October, are three combined workshops to run concurrently, on photography, painting and book-making.

These cost £20 per person, including the usual Pier admission prices. To book, please call 07843 048040 or email; asjphotography@hotmail.com

The £3million Southend Pier Cultural Centre, completed just two months ago has already hosted some top-class entertainment and this is its first art exhibition.

2012 has been a busy year for Essex-based Antonisia - one of the keynote artists in the recent Essex Summer of Art. She has just completed a two-week stint at a gallery in north London.

Antonisia said: “To be one of the first artists to exhibit at the new Southend Pier Cultural Centre is very exciting and I hope to give visitors a magical art experience that they haven’t found before.

“My workshops are always fun and enjoyable and anyone can take part. I look forward to meeting lots of interesting people during my fortnight at Southend.”

Valquiria added: “What I am bringing to this exhibition is a different style to Antonisia’s work but what I always try to do is create work which people feel they can ‘step inside’.

“I want them to be part of the art I create and enjoy the experience on many different levels.”

For more information on the exhibition and workshops, please visit: www.visitsouthend.co.uk or www.antonisiaschroder.co.uk or call 07843 048040.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Derek Jarvis said: “This is a really creative exhibition. We look forward to seeing the works displayed and also how the associated workshops develop more ideas from potential artists across Southend and the wider community.”