The New Bradford Playhouse has opened its doors to visual artists by creating an exhibition space in the basement of the Little Germany theatre.

The first exhibition showcases the work of printmaker June Russell, painter Patricia Calver and photographer Tony O’Connell, who all work from studios at Thornton’s South Square Gallery.

The exhibition is supported by Artists in Business, which helps emerging contemporary artists to showcase their work.

“The theatre bar is a great space for artists to show their work, and anyone coming to see a play or pantomime can enjoy the added bonus of viewing an art exhibition too,” says Jo Whitehead, founder of Artists in Business.

“Yorkshire is a fantastic place for contemporary artists but there aren’t enough opportunities for exhibitions. We have been really fortunate that the New Playhouse has offered this space.”

June Russell is a fine art printmaker based in Bradford who works mostly in etching and drypoint. Her work focuses on locations, particularly domestic city scenes, urban landscapes, walls, hedges, paths and power lines, and the pockets of woodland existing secretly within cities.

Patricia Calver has also been involved with South Square Centre for the past 20 years as curator for the Main Gallery. She has a BA and MA from Bradford College of Art and her work, which has a subversive tendency, involves various mediums, from oil paintings to 3D images.

Her basement studio at South Square is filled with bird cages, strange chandeliers, plaster, chicken wire models and drawings of Tallulah, her Lurcher dog!

Tony O’Connell is an independent photographer based in Bradford and a recipient of a Independent on Sunday Travel Photography award. He undertakes various commissions and his work has been published in local and national media. Tony places emphasis on working with, and developing, long-term relationships in communities, using photography as a tool for telling stories, building skills and for fun.

His projects have included a calendar of images reflecting the experiences of people with disabilities around the district. Tony was invited by voluntary organisation Disability Support to take on the 12-month photographic project.

Tony is running a digital photography weekend at the South Square Centre tomorrow and Sunday.

“Avoiding technical jargon, we get down to practicalities and cover all the basics needed to gain control of your camera and to use it creatively,” says Tony.

The course runs from 10am to 4.30pm and the cost is £110. Booking is essential. Call Tony O’Connell on 07887 885011.

The exhibition at New Bradford Playhouse runs until Friday, January 18.

For more information ring (01274) 308727 or visit thenewbradford playhouse.co.uk.

For more about Artists in Business visit artistsinbusiness.blogspot. com.