SAINT MARIE'S CHURCH in Southport held their third annual art exhibition this weekend, displaying the work of over seventy local artists.

The display of paintings and crafts was organised by women members of Saint Marie's to help raise money for the maintenance and reordering of the church.

Aggie Muir, Southport, helped to organise the exhibition. She said:- "Local artists are delighted that we have held the fair for the third year running as it gives them a chance to show their work, sell paintings, and help raise money for the church. They are also extremely pleased with the way their work is displayed on three tiers all the way around the room."

The exhibition is so popular with local artists that each contributor was limited to displaying up to six works of art with a donation of £1 per piece. The women of Saint Marie's also raised money by selling programmes on the door for fifty pence and artists donated 10% of every sale they made to the church fund. 

Artist Jean Ireland became involved with the exhibition through The University of the Third Age. She said:- "I think the organisers have done an excellent and very professional job in aid of the church community. It's difficult to find a venue in Southport where you can sell work so this is an excellent opportunity for local artists. I sold my first watercolour called French Connection to Father Chris the first year the display was held."

Members of Saint Marie's Church also provide sandwiches, coffee and food parcels on a daily basis to homeless and underprivileged people living in the Southport area. 

Southport Reporter is Trade Mark of Patrick Trollope.   Copyright © Patrick Trollope 2002.