Independent Arts’ second annual Art Sale has raised £690 to support the charity’s creative health workshops and community programmes across the Isle of Wight.

This year’s exhibition was a special one, featuring work not only from local artists but also from Independent Arts’ own practitioners, participants and staff, many of whom deliver or take part in the charity’s creative health projects in the Creative Hub, care homes and community settings across the Island.

The exhibition featured a vibrant mix of mediums, including lino prints by Paul Armfield, oil paintings by Davina Smith and Trudie Wilson, photography by Julian Winslow, collage and prints by Evie Clarke, watercolours by Polly Zanardi, and ceramics and sculpture by Kirstie and Kit Hayler, alongside mixed media work by Lisa Anthony.

Usually, exhibitions at Independent Arts’ Creative Hub gallery focus on artwork produced in community workshops and wellbeing projects. This special exhibition offered a one-off opportunity for local artists connected to the charity to exhibit and sell their own work, with 30% of all sales donated directly to support Independent Arts’ programmes.

Ralph Ridler, Operations Manager, said:

“We’re so grateful that so many of our amazing practitioners got involved and were so willing to sell their work to support the charity. It was fantastic to see so many new faces visiting the Creative Hub, taking in the exhibition, and purchasing great artwork for a good cause. The funds raised will help us to reach and support even more Island residents through our creative health programmes and workshops.”

The event included a well-attended Private View evening and attracted many new visitors to the Creative Hub.

Following the success of the Art Sale, Independent Arts has also expanded its retail offer at the Creative Hub on Newport High Street. The charity now stocks a small, bespoke selection of pieces by Island artists and makers, alongside their own range of creative gifts and seasonal items – with all proceeds helping to fund their work improving wellbeing through creativity.

The next exhibition to open at the Creative Hub will be “Workshops for Wellbeing”, an annual showcase celebrating artwork created by residents across care and residential homes on the Isle of Wight.