Femmes of the Fens – an art exhibition celebrating inspiring women from across Lincolnshire – opened its doors to the public on Monday afternoon.
Artists including Mel Langton and Rosie Ablewhite have created 12 pieces, which will be auctioned to raise money for the West Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Service (WLDAS).
Each piece recognises and celebrates the lives of several famous Lincolnshire women, such as comedian Jennifer Saunders, former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and paralympic skier Jade Etherington.
Rosie Ablewhite has several pieces of work displayed in the gallery. She said: “We’re here to educate local people about the women of Lincolnshire that we found inspirational, as female Lincolnshire artists, and also to raise money for the West Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Service (WLDAS).”
The charity, based in Gainsborough, provides support and assistance people across the county who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Mel Langton, another artist involved in the exhibition, said: “They offer shelter for men, women and children who have been suffering from domestic abuse.”
“As we are doing a show about women, created by women, we thought it was a great idea.
“But we also wanted to make sure people realise that it’s not just women the charity helps.”
In 2015 over 10,000 cases of domestic abuse were reported to Lincolnshire police. However, it’s estimated only one quarter of cases are reported.
The WLDAS outreach support service can assist those who have recently left, or are still in, an abusive relationship and provide advice and support with the options available to them.
The exhibition is open to the public until Sunday November 13, and can be found in the Gallery at St Martin’s in Lincoln’s cultural quarter.