AN ANDOVER artist is making her solo exhibition debut showcasing her paintings and textile works.

Elly Drew, having just completed her scholarship on the Art2Life Creative Visioning Programme, is excited to be sharing her current works at Unity Art Studio until July 27.

Elly, who has joined Unity Art Studio, has traditionally worked in textiles and facilitated community installations but this exhibition is a dramatic change.

The exhibition, called 52!, documents Elly’s journey to the age, celebrating her life choices, milestones and even acknowledges that challenges have had their part in leading her to this very moment in time.

Elly said: “Joining an art studio was a stroke of genius, it's the glue that keeps my role as a carer functioning, it gives us both a break and if needed I'm close to home. 

“The isolation I felt prior to becoming a member of Unity Art Studio has been replaced with sense of community. Andover town is such a friendly place, always a welcome greeting from the Chantry Centre staff, and a natter with the Waitrose team enroute to the studio. 

“I'm just so grateful to everyone who got me to this point. In 2018 carer strain, new job, menopause and a new home riddled with damp took its toll and I experienced a breakdown.”

For more information, go to unityartstudio.co.uk.