Jon Cove has created sculptures of humans, buildings and objects, relying heavily on a sense of touch to complete his art.

A collection of his best sculptures, entitled 'New Work' will go on display from today until November 23.

Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre is part of Henshaws Yorkshire, Society for Blind People.

It runs workshops for more than 90 visually-impaired service-users, often displaying work produced on-site.

Inspiration

Jon is one of the centre's most accomplished artists, and was awarded £9,000 from the Arts Council to work with Escrick-based sculptor Peter Maris over the last two months.

As part of the support, Jon has created several showcase pieces for his forthcoming exhibition as well as toured art galleries and exhibitions to increase his awareness of other media.

Peter Maris, whose stone carving includes work on York Minster and Parliament Square, London, said: "Working with Jon has been a true inspiration.

Comnissions

"His ability to capture what he feels and touches and recreate it through sculpture is impressive and he fully deserves the accolade of his own exhibition."

It is hoped that following his time with Peter and the exhibition, Jon can progress to work as a sculptor in a more professional capacity, taking commissions and working towards regular showing of his work at galleries in Yorkshire and beyond.

Jon – who was a student at Henshaws College and now lives in one of the charity's Harrogate based community houses – works at the Centre four days a week, mainly in the 3D sculpture and paper workshops where he creates large pieces using papier-mache and cardboard techniques.

Intricacy

Arts & Crafts Centre manager Phill Hopkins said: "Showcasing some of Jon Cove's best pieces, this exhibition is a milestone in his progression and endorses his credibility as an artist of standing.

"His disabilities make the intricacy and colour of his work even more remarkable and demonstrate the power of the work we do at Henshaws to provide our service users with skills, and to nurture their creative talents."

Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre is open daily from 9am till 4pm. Admission is free.