AN ART charity has announced the opening of a unique sculptural exhibition at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens near Romsey.

Chapel Art Studios (CAS) has joined the botanical garden in Jermyns Lane, Ampfield, to support the development of sculptors in the early stages of their careers, responding to a need for increased provision.

Eight sculptors, with one to five years of professional experience, were selected from the south from more than 50 applicants.

The successful artists, Sandra Camargo, Beatrice Galletley, Harry Chadwick, Srabani Ghosh, Alice Sheppard Fidler, Olana Light, Tony Spencer and Nicola Turner have won the CAS Emerging Sculptors Development Award.

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Hampshire Chronicle: Exhibition coming to Sir Harold Hillier GardensExhibition coming to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens (Image: Chapel Art Studios)

As part of the award, the sculptors participated in four intensive days of creative development, engaging with art and business professionals to gain knowledge on all aspects of growing and sustaining a successful practice. This initiative provided opportunities for artists to share their work and experiences, build relationships and forge connections for future collaborations.

The exhibition will highlight the sculptors' professional development, practice, individuality, and collaborative approaches to outdoor work. ESDA artist mentor Rebecca Newnham, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Sculptors, will also be exhibiting alongside the group.

The inaugural project has been made possible through funding from Friends of the Garden, with additional support from Roche Court Educational Trust and Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. All sculptures featured in the exhibition will be available for purchase.

Chapel Arts Studios (CAS) is a contemporary arts charity and National Portfolio Organisation of the Arts Council in Andover. CAS, founded in 2009 by Winchester School of Art graduates, remains an artist-led organisation, dedicated to promoting Associate Artists, offering opportunities and supporting the professional development of artists. For more information go to chapelartsstudios.co.uk.