THE organiser of a brand-new art exhibition in Whitchurch says the day ‘went better than we hoped for’ after celebrating its success.

Julie McHugh, whose love of art has grown from helping to run a club for people with mental health issues out of Pearl Yard, put together the show at the former Presbyterian church in Dodington on Saturday, August 10. 

With plenty of people attending, including Shropshire councillor Peggy Mullock, Julie admitted the success of the day has firmed up her plan to make it an annual event that could one day attract hundreds of exhibitors.

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 “I’m absolutely delighted with how it went – it was amazing,” she said.

Lester Shore, owner of the building, with exhibition organiser Julie McHugh.Lester Shore, owner of the building, with exhibition organiser Julie McHugh. (Image: Peggy Mullock.)

“We’ve had really good feedback from everyone which is putting in the mind of hosting one at Christmas for the lights switch-on.

“And on the day it was fantastic.

“We didn’t have a lot of sales but the support was there for us and that’s all that mattered.

“I had forgot that it was Shrewsbury Flower Show on the same day so I think that a lot of people who might have come to my event had gone there.

Chris Foster, an artist at the exhibition, displays her work.Chris Foster, an artist at the exhibition, displays her work. (Image: Peggy Mullock.)

“I did advertise it well in the media and online and the premises was lovely, as everyone knows.

“But in terms of what we hoped for beforehand, the day ticked every box for us, and now hopefully we can go from strength to strength.

“An event for 2025 is now definitely going to happen, all being well.”

Julie allowed herself a moment of pride as she was flying solo when it came to organisation but she admitted she was delighted with her own work.

Ben Hall, an illustrator and cartoonist at the exhibition, finished in the top 30 of a 5,000-strong Blue Peter competition. Ben Hall, an illustrator and cartoonist at the exhibition, finished in the top 30 of a 5,000-strong Blue Peter competition. (Image: Peggy Mullock.)

She added: “I’m really proud of myself as this was the first I put together on my own.

“It was hard work – Lester did help by clearing out the room for us – but as for the organising it, sorting the room, phoning the artists, that was all hard work.

“That’s another thing for me to ask if any artists based in Shropshire that want to take part in the Christmas exhibition, please get in touch.

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“I’m looking for people in the Shropshire area can contact me.

“But I want to thank all the artists and the people who came on the day, definitely.”

Anyone wishing to book a Christmas spot with Julie can email her at Julie.mchugh14@gmail.com