A NEW art exhibition celebrating local people and places has opened at The Turnpike Gallery in Leigh.

The exhibition, 'Creating Place II' follows on from a community project last summer which was created by school children, asylum seekers and refugees about what home meant to them.

This year's project presents four new commissions from local artists, telling stories about the borough's past, present, and future.

READ > Man, 22, charged with burglary appears in court

Leigh Journal: The exhibition is inspired by places in LeighThe exhibition is inspired by places in Leigh (Image: Wigan Council)
Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for culture at Wigan Council, said: “Creating Place II tells wonderful, hidden stories about our borough’s past, present and future through different pieces of art.

“And all of these artworks have been made in collaboration with local people. We’re really proud that our commitment to culture all across the borough enables us to take our residents along on this special journey with us.”

Leigh Journal: The exhibition follows on from last year's Creating Place showcaseThe exhibition follows on from last year's Creating Place showcase (Image: Wigan Council)
With Nicolette Lafonseca, Julie McKiernan & Corrie Shelley, Helen Mather & Anna FC Smith, and Joe Kiney Whitmore contributing to the exhibition, many of the artworks are inspired by people and places across the borough.

This includes the stained glass windows in Leigh Town Hall, the beauty of nature at Bickershaw Country park, care homes in Leigh, and the streets around the Turnpike Centre.

Creating Place II was developed with funding from Arts Council England National Lottery and Wigan Council.

The Turnpike Gallery is open Tues-Fri 10-4 and Sat 10-2. Admission to the exhibition is free and runs until Saturday, March 30.

A programme of talks, activities and workshops accompanies the exhibition, and more information can be found online: www.theturnpikegallery.org.uk