MORE than 150 guests attended the Vale council’s prestigious Art Central Gallery to mark International Women’s Day with an exhibition by the Women’s Arts Association Wales.

The exhibition showcases a wide variety of works including sculpture, paintings, textiles, ceramics photography and prints.

An interactive ceramic wall, titled ‘Touch Me’, has also been installed as part of the display.

The formal opening event took place on Saturday, March 7 and included a live performance by dancer and artist Marega Palser.

Vale council, cabinet member for leisure, arts and culture, Cllr Kathryn McCaffer and Vale AM Jane Hutt both attended the opening.

Cllr McCaffer said: “Today’s event was a brilliant opportunity for us to recognise the work and efforts of these talented women artists.

“I particularly enjoyed the interactive wall piece, which allowed the spectator to get involved with the art, giving a frank account of the female experience.

“The arts have long been a space for women to express and develop themselves - and it’s important that we continue to celebrate and support this.”

As part of the IWD celebration, a follow-up event will take place on Saturday, March 14.

Artist Sally Moore and Professor Gerda Roper will host a talk, starting at 11.30am.

The exhibition will be in place until Saturday, March 28.

For more information, visit valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/enjoying/Arts-and-Culture/Art-Central-Gallery.aspx

Touch Me wall (L-R): Jilly Hicks chairman WAAW, Cllr Kathryn McCaffer cabinet member for arts and culture, Jane Hutt AM, Jane Salisbury Art Central Friends and Tracey Harding Arts Development and Art Central Gallery manager