When Christine Smith was recuperating from surgery for a brain tumour, she was introduced to an artist who encouraged her to draw. Little did she realise at the time, how this rekindled passion would develop into a prolific collection of drawings and lead to exhibitions of her work. Surgeons had to remove Christine’s left eye and rebuild her face, and she has been left with no sense of smell or taste. “My art keeps me going,” she explains. “I am passionate about art and about animals, and drawing them has helped me to rebuild my life.”

Coterie Gallery in Rotherham is hosting an exhibition of Christine’s work in their annexe. The exhibition will focus mainly on her pastels of “Hounds and Horses.”

“I would like to donate the proceeds of the sales to the Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind (SRSB) and Macmillan, as both organisations have given me a great deal of support,” says Christine.

Graham Straw, who is a volunteer at SRSB, has supported Christine throughout the last few years. He runs a picture framing business and has mounted many pieces of her art. “We are all so pleased that Christine’s work has been recognised by the Coterie Gallery who have a remit to provide a platform to a range of work from the community. It will mean a great deal to her and encourage her talent.”

The exhibition at Coterie Galley in the Riverside Precinct at Rotherham runs from Monday 12th until Saturday 31st October. The gallery is open from 9am – 5pm Mon to Friday and 9am -1pm on Saturdays. Entry is free and anyone is welcome to visit to view Christine’s work or to purchase a picture.