Culture: Young Artists in Starry Company; from a Man Made from Wool to a Blow-Torched Chair, Barbara Hodgson Previews Some Truly Original Work at a New Gallery Showcasing Local and International Art

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Byline: Barbara Hodgson

ARTISTS from the USA and Spain attended the opening of the new Opus Gallery in Newcastle, where their cutting-edge work is going on sale in the converted church hall.

And Don Smith, the businessman behind the enterprise, is confident the unique venue will continue to attract interest from artists of world renown.

Pop candy motif paintings by Opus favourite Dan Baldwin and burned and epoxy-sealed chairs by Maarten Baas were among the original works unveiled at a preview night, just before yesterday's opening to the public.

Among the first exhibitors are two fast-emerging local talents, Steve Dryden and Emily Robson.

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