The Midlands’ biggest collection of art created by its residents has gone on display in Coventry.

Over 240 works of art created by members of regional arts groups have been featured in the 17th Coventry Arts Societies Exhibition (CASE) as part of a “diverse and inspiring” collection at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.

The show, which runs until Sunday, April 19, showcases works created by over 100 members of art societies and groups across Coventry and Warwickshire, featuring paintings, sculpture, ceramics and more – giving many artists their first opportunity to display and sell their creations.

Members of 11 art groups have taken part in this year’s edition, including Allesley Art Group; Art Alert; Association of Midland Artists (AMA); Baginton Art Group; Coventry Art Guild; Coventry & Warwickshire Society of Artists (CWSA); Kenilworth Artists; Leamington Studio Artists (LSA); Rugby Artists and Makers; Sitting Rooms of Culture; Warwickshire Watercolourists.

Mixed media artist James Robinson, who is one of fifteen members of Coventry-based Sitting Rooms of Culture to be featured in the exhibition, was recognised with the Chairman’s Award for Favourite Artwork for Sparrow in Flight – which uses an upcycled bed sheet as a canvas on a second-hand frame, household emulsion, ink and newspaper collages.

He said: “It’s only in the last five years, when I’ve left another career behind, that I’ve had the confidence to start painting, and suddenly something like this brings you into a vibrant community of artists.

“Art has a great power to bring people together. The Herbert does a fantastic job of this, and I feel really honoured to be on the wall alongside the artists on display.”

Visitors can vote for their favourite pieces throughout the duration of the exhibition, with the winner of the Visitor’s Choice Award announced at the end of the show.

Jacqui Smithson of CWSA and LSA won the Lord Mayor’s Award for her hand-felted piece with stitch detail, Watching, chosen by Coventry’s Lord Mayor Cllr Rachel Lancaster.

Cliff Vince of CWSA was awarded the Selection Panel’s Favourite 3D Work for his Ruivina marble sculpture Flos Cinereus, while Jenny Edge of LSA and AMA claimed the Selection Panel’s Favourite Artwork for her acrylic on canvas entry Water Story.

Artist and author Susan K. Moore is chair of CASE and has been involved in the exhibition for more than 20 years.

She said: “CASE is the biggest local art exhibition in the Midlands, and you can come and see it for the price of a cup of tea. It is a real celebration of the extraordinary creative talent we have on our doorstep.

“The process starts back in October and involves carefully selecting from hundreds of high-quality pieces of work submitted by artists across Coventry and Warwickshire. The standard this year has been exceptional, and the exhibition truly reflects the diversity, skill and imagination of our region’s artistic talent.”

Marguerite Nugent, Cultural Director at CV Life, which operates the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, said: “The Herbert is proud to host CASE and to provide a platform to celebrate the fantastic artists in our region. This year’s exhibition demonstrates the strength and vibrancy of the creative community across Coventry and Warwickshire.

“For many exhibitors, this is their first opportunity to show and sell their work in a major gallery setting, which makes it even more special, and we look forward to seeing the impact it has on our visitors and the wider artistic community.”

For more information visit: www.theherbert.org/whats-on/1909/case-coventry-art-societies-exhibition