![[From L to R]: Paul O’Neill (Friends of Christ Church Erith Committee), Jim Bennett (Chair, Friends of Christ Church Erith), Revd. Julie Conalty (Christ Church, Erith), Leeni Lear (Chair of Governors, Bexley College), Teresa Pearce MP (Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead) and Ken Chamberlain (local historian).](https://www.teresapearce.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/OurErithLaunch.jpg)
[From L to R]: Paul O’Neill (Friends of Christ Church Erith Committee), Jim Bennett (Chair, Friends of Christ Church Erith), Revd. Julie Conalty (Christ Church, Erith), Leeni Lear (Chair of Governors, Bexley College), Teresa Pearce MP (Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead) and Ken Chamberlain (local historian).
The “Our Erith” exhibition is being organised by Friends of Christ Church Erith in association with Bexley College and will be held at Christ Church Erith in Victoria Road, Erith from Friday 13 May to Sunday 15 May this year.
The Friends of Christ Church Erith and Bexley College believe our community is packed with artistic talent and would love to see this channelled to celebrate the local area. Budding artists, photographers and those who enjoy craftwork are encouraged to produce an original piece inspired by Erith. This could range from Erith’s history, its landscape, its architecture and its people. Local people of all ages are invited to take part and works will be displayed in the magnificent interior of the church. Entries should be submitted by 30 April and will be returned after the exhibition.
Teresa said:
“I am very proud of Erith, its history and its people, and am thrilled that the “Our Erith” exhibition is taking place in May this year. There are so many local people with artistic talent out there, and now they have an opportunity to show how Erith inspires them. Even if people haven’t used their skills for a while, this might be the opportunity to be inspired and produce a piece of art to inspire us.”
Jim Bennett, Chair of Friends of Christ Church Erith said:
“We are really excited about staging an event to celebrate Erith and to show off the artistic talent of local people. Erith is a wonderfully diverse place, and we are very hopeful that we can put on an equally varied exhibition. And even if you are not artistically inclined, do come and visit the exhibition in the Church in May.”
Leeni Lear, Chair of Governors, Bexley College said:
“Bexley College is very proud to be part of this initiative. We consider art to be hugely important in society; to the health and well-being of individuals, to education and to social cohesion. The cultural sector is also a key player in our economy, particularly in London and we support our students on Art, Media and Photography courses at Bexley College to progress onto Higher Education, into apprenticeships and employment. All our staff and students very much look forward to playing our part in this exhibition.”
The “Our Erith” exhibition will be held against the backdrop of the Church’s magnificent interior and will run for three days on Friday 13 May (12pm – 5pm, Saturday 14 May (10am – 5pm) and Sunday 15 May (12pm – 5pm). Entries will be invited from all age groups and in any visual art format depicting Erith, the place and its people.
The exhibition will be open to members of the public and will be free. Donations to Friends of Christ Church Erith will be welcomed at the event.
To learn more about Christ Church Erith and the exhibition, visit the website: www.christchurcherith.org.uk and click on Friends of Christ Church, or email focce1874@aol.com
