A NEW art centre has opened in Hereford.

Called Studio 10, it aims to provide art resources and knowledge to a wide selection of user groups.

Manager of the new centre Rob McCarthy said that he felt it offered a unique facility for those interested in developing their artistic skills.

"I'm hoping to appeal to everybody - right across the board, from beginners through to practising artists ... putting right all the teachers in the past that told you that you were rubbish at art."

The centre has opened up in what was formally a nursing home in Baggallay Street, Whitecross, the large rooms and high ceilings of which lend themselves well to art classes.

A light, airy space, there are plenty of easels and space for life drawing and still life studies.

Rob, himself an artist and trained art therapist, hopes individuals and groups will approach him so that he can make the space available or tailor courses in order that the studio becomes a valuable resource for the city.

"Everything gets discussed," Rob said. "I encourage people to work traditionally - back to basics - and to take risks.

"The self-expressive art workshop 10-week course takes things out of the therapy side of it."

Courses in still life drawing, papier mache and self-expression in art will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, in the daytime and evenings.

Rob is also working towards a forthcoming show of his own work in Chicago. For details contact 01432 376764.