Hosted by Laura Liptrot and Sara Meredith, it was attended by an array of local artists, poets, writers, photographers and members of the general public.
David McGuire, Chair of the Walsall Society of Artists said:
"The Deputy Mayor of Walsall was really impressed by Walsall creatives. He joined in and was very friendly and wants to be invited again next year. He`ll be the Mayor of Walsall then. He actually owns Pat Collins` Circus and has traditional circus art going on in his workshop which included gilding and other dying arts. By the end of the night the poets and the artists were mixing well together. It really was a success."
Karen Pincher, Chair of the Board at The Crossing at St Paul`s, made everyone welcome with a cheery smile and some smashing nibbles from the cafe.
A number of the poets have written ekphrastic poetry which describes the work of art. They have been framed and hung next to the paintings they describe. Local poets performing at the launch were Andy Summers, Leanne Cooper, Tina J Cox, Phil Buckley, Anthony J Ball, Laura Jane Round, Glyn Phillips, Gerald Kells, Paul McDonald, Al Barz, Sara Meredith, Jane James and Lisa Johnston.
"It was a really brilliant night" said co-host Laura Liptrot, an award-winning published poet who recently performed in the Birmingham Festival. "It was lovely meeting everyone and sharing their creativity."
The exhibition is free and runs until 28th October. The exhibition is on the second floor with further events lined up including free poetry workshops on autism with Tina J Cox, haikus with Leanne Cooper and empowerment with Sara Meredith. On Saturday 23rd September there will be soundscapes with Mark Ingram and Russell Smith and live music by Walsall band Dog Town Jack.
"It was a lovely night said co-host Sara Meredith "and I really loved hearing everyone`s interpretations on the artwork".
Photo Credit - Phil Buckley - Deputy Mayor of Walsall Cllr Anthony Harris
