THE Women’s Arts Association have officially launched their open art exhibition at Art Central, the Vale council’s art gallery.

The exhibition draws together more than 60 pieces of work creating a rich variety of painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, textiles and more.

This exhibition is one of a number held by the organisation, which actively encourages women from across Wales with an interest in art to exhibit alongside established artists and gives artists of all abilities an opportunity to show their work.

Welcoming the guests to Art Central, Councillor Lis Burnett, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, spoke of the ongoing support for International Women’s Day shown by the Council over the last eight years.

Cllr Burnett said: “I would like to congratulate you all for continuing to provide women across the country with an opportunity to showcase their creative talent and for giving them a visual voice to celebrate women in Wales.

"Today, we are celebrating the individual achievements and creative abilities of woman artist’s from across Wales.

"This open exhibition allows everyone to take part, and this year has welcomed Bethan, a budding artist of only nine years, with her charming hand-painted, pink slippers.”

Penelope Rose Cowley, the Vice Chair of Women’s Arts Association, thanked the Vale of Glamorgan Council for hosting this year’s exhibition in such a “stunning space”, before Eve Hart - a Vale based artist and an active member of Women’s Arts Association - officially declared the exhibition open, calling it “the highest quality Women’s Arts Association open exhibition at the Gallery to date.”

The Women’s Arts Association began as the Arts Discussion Group within the Women’s Committee of the South Glamorgan County Council in 1984, becoming a registered charity in 1997.

Working in partnership, they develop creative opportunities for women, celebrating diversity and equality in all art forms.

The Women’s Arts Exhibition will continue until Saturday, March 28 at Art Central, Barry Town Hall, King Square and is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm.