Creations by artists from across the district are being showcased together at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery.

Bradford Open 2013 runs at the Lister Park venue until January 19, and offers an unrivalled collection of local artistic talent. Works on show have been selected from artists and craftspeople who live or work in the Bradford district, with the aim of supporting local creativity. Cowling-based sculptor Sam Shendi has four pieces on display. He was delighted to be selected to be part of the show. “ I’m always exhibiting in London, but never exhibiting around here. I thought my work was maybe a little bit too contemporary, but it’s actually just that people in London were the first people asking me,” the 38-year-old said. “It’s an honour to be a part of it.”

The artist moved to West Yorkshire from Egypt in 2000 and was drawn to the countryside after a hectic pace of life in Cairo. His work is popular with children due to the strong, bright colours it uses and one of the pieces on display, The Girl Next Door, was inspired by a child living on his street.