Award-winning artist, Jo Barber, currently has her work on display at Town Hall Arts in Trowbridge in a joint exhibition with painter, Patrick Hallissey. Jo is known for her powerful and striking drawings in coloured pencil and graphite.

Jo’s work was selected for the exhibition after being awarded first prize by the judging panel of Town Hall Arts’ 2018 Open, with Patrick receiving second prize. The exhibition is titled ‘Encounters’ and is at the old Trowbridge Town Hall until 20th July.

Jo is based in Clandown, and some of her drawings that are on display have been inspired by the history of the former colliery in the village. Her latest works are portraits inspired by the paintings of the Old Masters. Her subjects confront and challenge the viewer with an uncomfortably direct gaze.

Having returned to art after a long break, Jo received a degree in Drawing and Applied Arts from the University of the West of England in 2017. Her work has appeared in exhibitions at 44AD in Bath, the Menier Gallery in London, and the Royal West of England Academy and Arnolfini in Bristol, amongst others.

Town Hall Arts is a community venue that gives people living in Trowbridge and the wider region the opportunity to see professional performances, art exhibitions and take part in workshops. For opening times and more information about the exhibition, visit: www.townhallarts.co.uk. You can find out more about Jo and her work at: www.jobarber.com