An art exhibition from environmental group Friends of the Earth is taking place in Caerphilly Miners’ Centre this week.
The exhibition features the work of Jill Baird, who has been inspired by the natural environment of Caerphilly.
The display opened yesterday, Sunday, November 18, and will run until Saturday, November 24.
Thirty percent of the profits made will be donated to Caerphilly Friends of the Earth.
Mrs Baird told Caerphilly Observer: “I grew up in North Wales and moved back to Wales two-and-a-half years ago. This is my first exhibition here.
“I am loving Caerphilly and its environment, and my paintings explore both the nature, especially trees and the built environment, and how the latter imposes its geometric shapes on the former. The title poses the question – What is our path to be now? Especially in terms of climate, environment, pollution and the building of more and more roads.”
Mrs Baird will be giving a talk about her work at 2pm on Wednesday, November 21, at the Miners’ Centre, where the paintings will be on sale.
Despite being from North Wales originally, Ms Baird began painting after moving to the Republic of Ireland in 1982.
She said: “I felt isolated there and began painting and sculpturing again as an antidote. My first exhibition in Galway was in bold, bright, semi-abstract watercolours, and was a sell-out. I then experimented with different mediums, producing oils and acrylics in paint, and some bronze sculptures.”
She added: “I’d like to thank Sue and Katherine at the Miners Centre for providing such a lovely space and giving their time for the opening.”
However, the exhibition won’t be the only place where you can see the work of Mrs Baird this week.
She told us: “The current exhibition at the Miners’ Centre for the Community in Caerphilly is my first in Wales, and it’s thrilling to have the support of my new friends. I’ve also been attending groups at the Nantgarw China Works, where I will be exhibiting small sculptures and picture tiles on November 24. It’s been a busy week.”
