SOUTHAMPTON Chamber of Arts is to hold its first major week-long exhibition.

This will be in the historic St.

Denys Church building, adjoining centre and grounds in September.

Preparations are well in hand for the event according to organiser, Helen Trimarco-Ransome, who said that it promises to be an exciting and vibrant festival in the city’s art calendar.

The event, aptly called the HeArt of Heritage Exhibition, begins on September 12, and coincides with Heritage Open Day when the church – with its famous organ, reputed to have been played by the composer Handel – will become a focal point for visitors.

Last week representatives from the chamber met with the church’s administrators to discuss their plans which will see local artists, painters, sculptors, stained glass artists, ceramic artists, graphic designers, theatrical groups, musicians, poets and writers, graffiti artists, crafts people – including model makers – and many others coming together to create something special: a celebration of arts and culture in the city.

It is intended that the whole community will participate in something for young and old alike.

There will be workshops with the chamber inviting schools and other groups to participate and piano and organ recitals in the church where many of the artists will display their works.

The stage in the church will be used for theatre groups, poetry readings and music.

The outside space will be utilised to showcase urban arts, dance and more music.

There will be multicultural food outlets located in the grounds and refreshments provided in the chamber’s own vintage café.

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It is still not too late for other artists from the area to get involved.

Helen said: “While we have had a great response from the artists we would like to hear from others who may be interested in displaying and selling their works.

"We are also interested in hearing from local businesses who might like to support us.”

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Martin Smith, St Denys Church & Centre administrator said: “We are looking forward immensely to this exciting event, and will be doing all we can to support the arts and artists during the week.

"For most of 2015 the church has been under scaffolding undergoing vital restoration work, scheduled in part so that we can host more events of this type in the future.

“We very much want to put St Denys Church & Centre back at the centre of the local community and the HeArt of Heritage exhibition is a perfect way to open our doors and start to think differently about how we can use our fantastic space.”

Anyone interested in getting involved can e-mail Helen at events@southamptonchamberofarts.org or drop in to the church centre.