A NEW creative arts venture is making its mark in the North-East.

Primary Visual Art was set up by Stockton artist and former Teesside University design student, Shirley Wells.

She hopes to work with businesses and community groups on creative projects, such as mosaics, metal embossing, silk painting, willow work, photography and short film making.

Her latest project saw her working on the Locomotion cake parade at the Distinctly Delicious Darlington Festival of Food, which was created from 17 shopping trolleys and decorated with a giant cake to celebrate the region’s railway heritage.

“It has always been an ambition of mine to look for something unique, and in many ways reflect my own work in relation to my art, and by linking up local business with some of the areas more challenging groups I think I have found my niche,” she said.

“My plan is fairly simple - it’s about getting businesses to put something back into the community, and at the same time being rewarded for that investment.”

Ms Wells is looking for businesses who would be interested in working with residents on a creative project.

She said: “In an ideal world it would be great if we could get a team of businesses and community groups, including schools, to work together and produce something long lasting, and aesthetically pleasing to all.’’

For more information visit primaryvisualarts.com