Easter exhibition celebrates island's biosphere

The annual exhibition has been held at the Villa Marina Arcade since 2010

An Easter art exhibition celebrating the island's Unesco Biosphere status has opened in the Manx capital.

The Isle of Man Art Society's event in the Villa Marina Arcade showcases pieces from its members, including sculpture and oil, watercolour and acrylic painting.

Society president Peter Hepworth said he was "amazed at the variety and depth of talent exhibited by our society members".

The annual themed event, which was first staged in 2004, has been a "long-time feature of the arts calendar for many years", he said.

The art works will be on display between 10:00 and 18:00 GMT each day over the Easter weekend.

Environment Minister Clare Barber said creativity was "one of many ways people connect with our beautiful Unesco Biosphere".

"It is always impressive to see how many wonderful ways our talented local artists depict our Island’s nature, wildlife, culture and community," she added.

The Isle of Man Arts Society was founded in 1953 with 28 artists involved, but its membership has grown to more then 300 over the period.