Bracknell’s biggest arts centre hosted two local mayors to celebrate the launch of the solo exhibition ‘Returning with a New Approach.’

The Bracknell mayor, Cllr Ash Merry visited the Jan Gaska’s exhibition on November 30 alongside the mayor of High Wycombe at the South Hill Park Arts Centre.

They both praised the exhibition in the Atrium and Balcony Gallery, with Cllr Merry saying that she was excited to see that the work they are doing is strengthening and promoting community involvement.

Cllr Merry said: “This has been a really fantastic day meeting Jan and seeing how art can actually strengthen communities.”

Jan Gaska, who has a long history with South Hill Park Arts Centre and with the local area, became Printmaker in residence in 2004. Soon after he was inspired by oil painting as it displayed the honesty and freshness he was seeking in his work.

During the visit, they also admired the Arts and Crafts Bringing us Together installation at the Wilde Community Gallery. This creative project began in the first lockdown, with an aim to bring the community together and keep morals high.

As a lifelong friend of Jan, Cllr Annie Baughan, Mayor of High Wycombe commended the artist saying:

“Having known and been friends with Jan for probably 40 years now, I’ve always admired his artwork and I’m absolutely delighted and thrilled to see it in such a beautiful location, a gorgeous arts centre.”

Ash Merry, Mayor of Bracknell added: “Annie and I are going away with lots of good ideas for the mayors to work together to promote community engagement with South Hill Park and we hope to see you in the New Year with something rather special”.

Gaska’s exhibition ‘Returning with a New Approach’ launches on December 4th and runs until February 2022.