A GROUNDBREAKING arts project that helps local people with learning disabilities express themselves creatively is holding an exhibition in Cradley Heath.

Students from The Oaks Project are proudly displaying their artwork at new gallery The Art Yard, Reddal Hill Road.

The exhibition is entitled Acorns to Oaks 2010 – 2017 and consists of work that has been undertaken by the students in the last six years.

The Oaks Project was set up by artist and support worker Chris Self, who previously worked for Dudley Council's renowned Pulse group, at Cradley Enterprise Centre, Maypole Fields.

The original idea was to develop a venue that would empower people by taking them on a personal creative journey and has been branded a success by the students and their families.

The new exhibition features some retrospective items and a collection of new pieces, the work on show will raise funds for The Oaks Project and all of the items on display are for sale.

Mr Self said: “Choosing work for the exhibition gave the students of the project and I an opportunity to reflect on the diverse range of artists, styles and creative methods that we have focussed on over the six years that the project has been open.

"It also gave us the opportunity to create new work which we created specifically for this exhibition.”

The exhibition will run until December 2 and the work on show includes paintings, pottery, and re and upcycled items.

The gallery is open from 10am until 5pm Monday to Friday and 11am to 2pm on Saturdays.

For more information about The Oaks Project phone Chris Self on 07906 873 311.