From pastels and watercolours to triangular mirrors and wire sculptures, art lovers can look forward to a variety of contemporary work over the next few weeks.

Two new innovative exhibitions in Bradford have opened their doors to the public.

Toddlers and adults were seeing double at the One Hundred Languages of Children event at Lister's Mill, Manningham.

A spectacular pyramid of mirrors was just one exhibit in the internationally renowned collection of work which explores early learning through creativity. And it was joined by a collection of work from Bradford children.

Part of the Bradford Festival, a host of seminars and workshops are also planned for local teachers.

Meanwhile, at Bradford Royal Infirmary, paintings have gone on show - the first in the country to be displayed on a hospital site and to help provide therapy for patients.

As well as displaying a wide range of colourful work by Aire Valley Artists, a quarter of the profits from sales will go towards the Bradford Heart Appeal Fund.

And members from the local art group are to run a series of classes for those who are recuperating.

"This venture will bring a host of benefits to Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust," said Dr Peter Knappett, chairman of its Bright Ideas Forum, which suggested the scheme.

"Not only will it raise money for a life-saving charity, but the artistic involvement will also help enrich the lives of our patients."

Chief Executive of the Trust David Jackson described the exhibition as wonderful.

"What I'm particularly pleased about is that as a hospital, it's a way of trying to get the wider community interested in what we are doing and a way we can be mutually supportive of groups like Aire Valley Arts," he said.

The BRI display, at the Field House Art Gallery, will run from Monday until June 30 and is open to the public between 2pm and 8pm on weekdays and 2pm and 6pm on Sundays.

e-mail: suzy.poole@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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