THE work of selected young local artists is to be displayed alongside that of professionals at Chineham Shopping Centre.

This project, which will be opened by The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Dan Putty, on Friday, July 19 at 6pm, is the brainchild of full time digital artist Carlamaria Jackson.

Carlamaria and fellow artists Dominique Goodwin and Kevin Darke felt that art college education concentrates on the practical skills but offers students little incentive or instruction about developing a career in art.

Submissions were invited from schools and colleges and a certain number of these pieces were then selected to feature alongside art by Carlamaria, Kevin and Dominique at the centre.

The selected students will also receive a mentoring service from the three professionals in developing a full time career in art.

*The work will be available for free public viewing from Saturday, July 20 to Tuesday, July 30, between 10am and 5pm daily.