A NEILSTON optician hopes to open the community’s eyes to a range of artistic talent that exists right on their doorstep.

Farah O’Rourke, who works at Forsight Opticians, hopes an exhibition at her store will be the first of many as she seeks to give amateur and professional artists a platform to showcase their work.

As a long-term admirer of artwork, Farah has decided to open up her business to the public to enable Neilston residents and those from further afield to view pieces from two Glasgow School of Art graduates.

Dominic Snyder and Hugh Sean O’Rourke will put some of their finest work on show at the Main Street opticians from tomorrow (Saturday, September 2) to Monday, September 4.

The duo, who first met while working as art teachers after leaving college, have gone on to establish a saxophone group called the Factory Street Sax Quartet.

A specialist in print-making, Dominic has produced work for a number of jazz festivals and is inspired by French sculptor Fernand Leger.

While Hugh has spent time earning a living as a musician, he has also been employed as a lecturer and was resident artist at the Celtic Connections festival in 2006.

Explaining her reasoning for organising the art gallery, Farah told the Barrhead News: “I want to provide a platform for amateur and professional artists to present their work and to involve Neilston and the surrounding communities in such future projects.

“I hope I can bring East Renfrewshire Council on board to help provide a celebratory annual event.”

The diversity of Dominic and Hugh’s work is what impresses Farah.

She continued: “Dominic is a lecturer specialising in print-making at Glasgow Kelvin College. His work owes a lot to his involvement as a saxophonist in jazz and blues music.

“Dominic’s style is mainly formed from his printmaking and graphic background and his output includes digital and giclee prints.

“He has worked for jazz festivals and has designed an album cover for the legendary group the Hollies.

“As well as Matisse, Picasso and Leger, one of Hugh’s main influences has been the work of the Scottish Colourists.

“He has produced numerous album covers including covers for the JSD band, the Keltz and Lyra Celtica.

“Hugh works mostly in oil and acrylic and has won awards for his watercolours. His paintings have been sold in Australia, America, England and Ireland as well as having a loyal following in Scotland.”

The free Celebration of Art and Music art exhibition will run from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, September 2.

It will also be open from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, September 3 and Monday, September 4.

For more details, contact Farah on 07733896879.