Over 100 people including civic dignitaries, music fans and art lovers have gathered at Pocklington Arts Centre to celebrate the opening of the venue’s new exhibition by illustrator Simon Cooper.
Amongst the invited guests were HM Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Mr James Dick OBE and his wife Christine, Pocklington Town Mayor Councillor Richard Bryon, and Market Weighton Deputy Mayor Councillor Lionel Cashin.
Following his visit Mr Dick said: “It’s a really good exhibition, and nice to see a mixture of Simon Cooper’s work from his collection of contemporary light-hearted and humorous illustrations.
“It’s extraordinary how Pocklington Arts Centre has developed over the last 20 years and attracts such high profile artists. The centre is a real asset to the local community.”
The exhibition of original artwork, illustrations and prints, which runs until Thursday 6 January, features many of the music portraits which were commissioned by NME Magazine.
Simon has also worked for the likes of Time Out, Punch and Radio Times magazines as well as a number of prestigious publishing houses including Pan Macmillan, Penguin and Oxford University Press.
The Everingham based artist, who is a graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, in Dundee, takes his inspiration from such artists as Chuck Jones, Ronald Searle, Renee Margritte, Henri Matisse and Marc Chagal as well as his love of music and comic books.
PAC Director, Janet Farmer, said: “This is just a stunning exhibition which will appeal to art lovers and music fans alike.
“It’s so original and a real homage to some of the music world’s best loved legends which is such a fitting subject for our venue.
“Simon is a real talent and we are delighted to be exhibiting his work in our studio. It really is not to be missed.”
Simon will be holding a ‘Meet The Artist’ event at PAC on Saturday 6 November, 10am-1pm and on Sunday 28 November, 1-5pm during the town’s Christmas Festival. Free entry to the studio. All are welcome.
Entry to the exhibition is free, during opening times only. For the current opening times or for more information about the exhibition visit www.pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk or call 01759 301547.