An exhibition is on display in the café area of Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery until March 16.

‘Layers’ consists of twenty-one striking and colourful original mono-prints and mixed-media artworks by accomplished artist Syrah Jade Arnold.

The exhibition is an original celebration of plants, presented, with unframed and framed artworks as well as canvas pieces.

Syrah has worked as a professional artist for over thirty years, beginning her creative career as a commercial illustrator, with support from The Prince’s Trust.

She has successfully completed commissions for the likes of Royal Horticultural Society (Chelsea Flower Show), John Lewis, BBC, British Red Cross, Survival International, and Amnesty International.

Peterborough Matters: Reaching

Her illustrations have won national awards and been commended by the then Prince Charles and Lord Bath.

Syrah began facilitating arts workshops and longer-term creative projects for various schools after being repeatedly approached by different establishments.

She is passionate about the benefits of creativity for people’s well-being and education, and as such these days she spends much of her time facilitating sessions and projects for various groups.

She has worked in London, Fenland, and Kings Lynn with adults with dementia, and with those living in care-homes.

Syrah has also worked with homeless adults in Bath, adults with mental health issues in Bath and across Fenland, adults with Multiple Sclerosis, and as Honorary Researcher for a NHS Trust Stroke Research project.

Peterborough Matters: Blue Thistle

She has also worked as gallery curator in Wiltshire, and visual arts development worker for a charity near Bath, where her project won a National Award for excellence.

Syrah has exhibited widely, although this is her first solo exhibition in a while due to family and other work commitments.

She has previously exhibited in London, Birmingham, Bath, Bristol, Ely, and St Petersburg, Russia.

Syrah said: “Nature has always been a true inspiration for me and I do hope lots of people will visit my ‘Layers’ exhibition at Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery - it truly is a fabulous venue and free to enter too.

Peterborough Matters: Syrah Jade Arnold

“My work can be found opposite reception, in the café area, but people are welcome to look at the art there without being obliged to buy coffee and cake; though their cake is rather delicious!

“The exhibition, 'Layers', is the result of a life-time's creative learning and endeavour and a year's hard work by me - I hope people will love it.

“All work is for sale - but you can look and enjoy without feeling obliged to purchase, just like the cake.”

Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery is located in Priestgate and is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10am until 4pm.