AN inspirational Art Exhibition has been hosted by Jane Hutt AM at the Pierhead Gallery in Cardiff Bay displaying the work of Dinas Powys Artist, Melanie Wotton, and her colleague Sarah Abbott.

The women have been engaged in a collaborative project for the new dementia facility at University Hospital Llandough since 2012.

This work is being extended as part of the art working group for the new adult mental health unit at Llandough Hospital. Sarah has continued her work at Whitchurch Hospital which is also on display in the Pierhead.

Melanie was commissioned to provide nine paintings for Llandough Hospital in the new dementia wing which have received positive responses from patients, relatives, visitors and staff. She and Sarah have also been involved in developing 'interactive art' which is on display at the Pierhead and they are extending their work into Care Homes and other facilities, working alongside Age Cymru.

Melanie said: "We have both been inspired and enthused by the Art in Health agenda of the Welsh Government, having seen directly how art can help stimulate interest, concentration, conversation and encourage enjoyment and well being.

Sarah said: "We have, as part of this exhibition, extended our art practices, exploring the very complicated, porous nature of memory as part of the human condition."

The Vale AM, Jane Hutt, is keen to encourage more visitors to see the exhibition which is on display until February 28 at the Pierhead from 10.30am - 4.30pm daily.

Jane Hutt said: "This is such a positive and inspirational exhibition and is well worth a visit for all those who are touched or affected by Dementia in their lives, in their families or their professional or voluntary work."