A PROJECT which has been supporting artists and creative people in the district for more than 40 years is celebrated in an exhibition

in Shipley.

Peter Swidrak is the founder and director of The Heart of Art, which supports the Art in Schools Days project.

Working with schools over the past 20 years, he has shared his love of art with more than 90,000 children and teachers around the UK and in Europe, helping to create more than 2,500 art projects.

Peter runs art masterclasses for primary school teachers and ‘Creative Mindfulness’ days for people with an interest in exploring their own creativity.

He has been recognised by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Martin Love, at a reception at City Hall for his achievements over 40 years of supporting artists and producing his own artwork.

Peter, who has appeared on TV and radio, creates intriguing paintings in vibrant colours, expressing his love of art and the creative process. His says his recent work is influenced by the thousands of children he has worked with as an artist, and he also finds inspiration in “the beauty of the natural world and the creativity found in everyone”.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Peter creates vibrant artwork Peter creates vibrant artwork (Image: Submitted)

Pete is also inventor and designer of creative activities, including Uncentiles, MyEva Tiles, Chalkbooks, In The Beginning - Treasure Hunt, Square Magic and Imagination Shapes.

Working from his Bradford home for half a century, Peter’s art has been exhibited around the country the UK and overseas and over the years.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Peter at his exhibitionPeter at his exhibition (Image: Submitted)

Peter says he is “not one to follow trends” and “constantly stretched the boundaries of how exciting visual art can be”. Says Peter: “Throughout my career I have believed it was more important to follow my own artistic instincts and not to worry too much about what people said or thought about my work.

“I make my work because I love making it - and if anyone likes a picture enough to buy it that is great, but it is not my primary reason for making it.

“Indeed, I make most of my work in the expectation that it probably will not be sold.”

Peter’s work from the past 50 years is currently on display in an exhibition called Earlier Years - Pushing The Boundaries at the gallery in Shipley Underground Market.

A further exhibition to celebrate his later work is planned to follow into March at the same venue.