AN exhibition displaying the wide range of artwork being created in the Stratford district is marking the start of a new era at a community art centre in the town.

The Gallery, at Stratford leisure centre, which is an art promotion centre funded by the Lottery, the Arts Council and the district council, is showing a special democratically selected body of work called Word of Mouth this month.

Local artist Jo Roberts has co-ordinated the scheme where, from one randomly chosen name, district artists nominated each other to take part, forming a chain of 50 exhibitors, each giving a reason for nominating the next.

The result is an exhibition with something for everyone - painting, sculpture, embroidery, jewellery and flower arranging are all represented and a map will show where they are all based across the area.

It is a fitting beginning for The Gallery's new curator Jess Morgan, who has been given the task of working with the council arts team and other departments to provide 'an exciting and interactive resource for the local district community and beyond'.

Jess, who has a degree in fine art, has a background in community art and has worked on a number of projects as well as curating shows on a freelance basis. She is also a practising artist, specialising in abstract painting.

Word of Mouth runs at The Gallery, at Stratford Leisure and Visitor Centre until July 6. Admission is free.