STOURBRIDGE multi-media artist Cal has brought fellow local artists on board to stage an exhibition at an under threat listed pub.

Cal is set to host an art exhibition featuring work by himself and 19 other artists at The Garibaldi in Cross Street on Friday April 21 to help raise awareness of the plight facing the pub which has been put up for sale by Marston’s.

An open call was put out to local artists a month ago and Cal said he received an “overwhelming response from the thriving local art scene”.

Cal said: “I wanted this to be an opportunity for artists to meet and make connections and I’m thrilled this has given some artists the chance to exhibit their artwork for the first time.”

He said the evening “promises to be a relaxed evening of music and art and an opportunity for the new landlady to welcome the local community”.

Landlady Helen Penny took over at the pub on December 30 and just a week later found out it was to be sold off by pub company Marston's.

The mum-of-three, who moved her family from Halesowen to Stourbridge to take on the venture, vowed to continue to plough ahead with her plans to transform the pub and said she has been blown away by the response from the local community.

She said of the art exhibition: “I am so grateful to Cal for organising this exhibition and all the artists involved and I cannot wait to see their artwork in the pub.

“This exhibition is just another example of how the local arts and music community have really supported me in this new venture.”

Some of the artworks displayed in the exhibition will be for sale and some pieces will remain on show at the Grade II listed pub.

The exhibiting artists will be: Paul England, Kate Martin, Warren McCabe-Smith, Tashar Cattell, Stacey Smith, Nicole Prince, Helen Sweeting, Heather Wilson, Stacy Hammond, Sarah Bentley, Jess Silk, Ellie Greenwood, Martin Garrington, Terri Wadeley, Sean Counley, Bridgit Bergström, Gav Keyes, Ele Watts.

For more information visit calsartwork.com

Cal will also be displaying some new paintings and sculptures from his latest body of work which aims to raise awareness and support for the complex issue of homelessness.

Exhibiting artist Warren McCabe-Smith said: “I've known Cal for many years now and it's a pleasure to be asked to participate in such a project. Bringing together local artists to showcase their works in a pub setting is a fantastic idea and will hopefully bring business to this community driven establishment.”

The exhibition open evening will start at 7pm and will feature live acoustic music from Patrick Hannon, David Brinkworth and Gayle Plant.