Hop-tu-Naa: New exhibition showcases creativity of Manx artists

The display can visited until 18 November

A community exhibition showcasing the work of Manx artists inspired by Hop-tu-Naa has opened in the south of the island.

The paintings, photography, sculptures and sound and video installations of more than 70 artists feature at the Erin Arts Centre Otherworld display.

Artistic director Pip Rolfe said it was a "window into the strange and creative minds" of local artists.

The artworks feature spooky images of skulls, black cats and witches.

Also on display is a piano that appears to play itself, photographs of trees in murky forests and a felt sculpture of the Moddey Dhoo, the ghost of a black dog said to haunt Peel Castle.

Artists of all ages and experience submitted more than 80 pieces of work for the display, which includes a collaborative piece from from the pupils of Rushen Primary School.

The exhibition features the work of 70 Manx artists

Mr Rolfe said there had been the "most incredible response" to the "open-to-all exhibition" inspired by Halloween and the Manx tradition of Hop-tu-Naa.

One of the oldest continuous celebrations on the island, it has its roots in Celtic festivals which marked the end of the harvest and the start of winter.

"People really took to the brief, we have a culture that's rich in folklore and people were really ready to respond to that," Mr Rolfe said

The finished display went "beyond all expectations" and "really works as a whole, even though so many people are involved", he added.

The exhibition can be viewed during the centre's opening hours, during showtimes, and on Saturday afternoons until 18 November.

Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X? You can also send story ideas to [e-mail]