TWO Winchester artists have been inspired to host an exhibition based on their correspondence to each other that lasted nearly a decade.

Orah Bradshaw and Noriko Suzuki-Bosco spent seven years sending each other little postcards adorning their own works after Ms Suzuki-Bosco moved to Singapore.

While some would send letters the pair would communicate via oil paints, watercolours and even glitter to let one another know what they were up to.

Inspired by the amount of works they collected over the years they’ve decided to set up a special exhibition and have invited members of the community to take part.

With the help of St John’s Charity, as part of their Arts in Mind project aimed at older residents, the duo have embarked on a project of their own to get people from all over depicting how they see their corner of the city.

“It’s all to do with the correspondence that a postcard can bring,” Ms Suzuki-Bosco said. “We’re not asking people to create a painting; it’s a simple postcard. When you’re faced with a blank piece of paper or canvas it can be quite intimidating but this is a good way of getting your imagination up and running. It’s all about getting people to tap into their artistic talents.”

Her colleague, former Peter Symonds College student Orah Bradshaw, said: “Some people are quite resentful when it comes to doing something creative so we wanted to de-escalate that and help people get in touch with their senses and that then connects to what you take from your community.”

Winchester School of Art graduate Ms Suzuki-Bosco added: “We’re also keen to get as many communities together as possible and not just from here but from abroad as well and those who may not necessarily go into an exhibition space. We want to make this accessible to everyone.”

They’ve been donated a range of Edwardian postcards from the Hampshire Cultural Trust for the exhibit which showcases at Winchester Discovery Centre later this month.

The Exchange: connecting culture, creativity and community will be held from May 23-July 5 and all postcards will be used to depict the mizmase of St Catherine’s Hill.

For more information about the exhibit or to design and submit your own postcard email orah36@btinternet.com or nori.ko@virgin.net.