A new exhibition has opened at Nantwich Museum, full of inspiring artworks created from discarded materials.
Artist Val Hunt (pictured) uses ingenuity and humour to create a range of sculptures – which portray wildlife nearing extinction or already extinct.
The sculptures include an array of insects, exotic birds, fish and dinosaurs.
They are all either on the edge of extinction or already wiped out, and have been made from a selection of throw-away material.
Val’s favourite medium is metal drinks cans, and her exhibition conveys a subtle message about recycling and preservation as well as raising awareness of why creatures are endangered or extinct.
Museum bosses hope it will provide an opportunity for people to learn why species are disappearing at an alarming rate.
Plant and animal species are vanishing as a result of natural or human intervention, with the main issues being habitat destruction, over hunting and pollution.
Val retrieves everyday things we throw away and then presents them in a new light.
Her work involves recycling a whole variety of bits of rubbish – from which she creates highly detailed sculptures, wall hangings, hats and jewellery.
The exhibition aims to inspire, inform and encourage everyone to experience the fun of creative recycling.
Many of the items will also be available for sale, including a selection of jewellery.
Val commented: “The future of endangered species greatly depends on mankind’s ability to live in harmony with the natural world.
“Through exhibitions like this, we can help by making people aware of the problems and try and protect the vulnerable creatures sharing the world we live in.”
Her work has been shown in exhibitions around the UK, Denmark, Japan, UAE, USA and she has also toured overseas with the British Council.
Val has worked in many permanent collections, and has won a number of accolades for her work.
The exhibition is open now and is due to run until Saturday 10th December 2022.
Entry to the museum and exhibition is free.
For further information contact, visit the Nantwich Museum website: www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk