Journey into Light Exhibition is coming to St Cross Church, Appleton Thorn and St Matthew’s Church, Stretton.

An exhibition of prisoners’ artwork will go on display at St Cross Church, Appleton Thorn and St Matthew’s Church, Stretton from 12^th – 23^rd March 2019. The exhibition is made up of more than 40 individual pieces of art produced by prisoners from HMP Styal and HMP Thorn Cross, Cheshire.

Titled, Journey into Light, the aim of the exhibition is to demonstrate to visitors that behind every prisoner’s conviction and sentence is a personal story of love, hope and loss. The exhibition is a partnership between local churches, the Diocese of Chester and chaplains from HMP Styal and HMP Thorn Cross who have worked with the prisoners to produce the pieces of art. The exhibits differ in style from large acrylic paintings, abstract landscapes, and self-portraits.

Debbie Dalby, Director of Social Responsibility at the Diocese of Chester, says: “We want people to view the exhibition and leave with a greater sense of empathy and awareness of prisoner experience. There is life beyond prison and we want to celebrate renewal and restoration and the hope of a brighter, more optimistic future.”

Both St Cross and St Matthew’s will be open to visitors on:

Tuesday 12 & 19^th March 10am -12noon

Wednesday 13^th & 20^th March 2.30-4.30pm

Thursday 14^th & 21^st March 2.30-4.30pm

Friday 15^th & 22^nd March 3.00 – 4.30pm

Saturday 16^th & 23^rd March 1.00- 4.30pm

All welcome. Admission free.