A VIBRANT art exhibition at Worcester Cathedral shows there is hope amid the heartbreak of homelessness says its curator.

'Haven' opened at Worcester Cathedral on Tuesday (January 31) with the aim of showcasing the talents of people who have been homeless, giving a platform for their talents and a stage upon which their voices can be heard.

The aim of the varied and vivid exhibition was also to challenge some of the negative stereotypes which may exist about people living on the streets, particularly the persistent image of the bearded drinker with a bottle or can in his hand and show that they have much more to offer.

The title of the exhibition was chosen because it has a poignant resonance for people who have not always had a place to call their own or even a roof over their head.

The work represents the creative endeavours of those who attend the Maggs Day Centre art group and includes the work of service users or former service users and staff, including Mel Kirk, the centre's chief executive.

Visitors still have the opportunity to view the many varied works of art which range from abstract and symbolic pieces, landscapes and three-dimensional work, poetry, sketches and mixed media as the exhibition runs until Wednesday, February 15.

Around 25 people attended the opening but it is hoped that many more will attend during the Cathedral's opening hours before it closes.

Francesca Currie, the local artist who curates the exhibition, said: "The opening of the Maggs Art Exhibition was a huge success.

"The work looks brilliant up (if I do say so myself) and everyone there seemed to take something away from the exhibition.

"In a time with constantly heartbreaking news and statistics of homeless and vulnerable people it was wonderful to show a different side to that.

"The exhibition was uplifting, focusing on what people can achieve rather than what they can’t. One thing that I was very touched by was seeing some people there who have left Maggs and are now in employment, with thanks to Maggs.

"I was delighted to finally meet Spoz, who hosts the poetry class and I could see why all the service users enjoy his company.

"He commented on how great it was to see the poems as an art piece and how the handwriting is just as interesting as the poetry itself.

"It was good to see the Cathedral-Maggs partnership create something inspiring together. I am grateful to the Cathedral for hosting it. The work is just as vibrant and lively as the people who created it and if you get a chance you should defiantly go and see it."

Donations are always welcome at Maggs. For more information contact mkirk@maggsdaycentre.co.uk. For further details about the exhibition itself contact francescacurrieartist@gmail.com