University of Chester supports local artist Ann Reeve

An upcoming exhibition in Chester will shine a spotlight on the unique artistry of Ann Reeve, whose paintings and drawings blend scenes of everyday life with touches of the extraordinary.

Supported by the University of Chester, her exhibition, Paintings and Drawings: A Retrospective, will be held at the Contemporary Art Space Chester (CASC), located in Castlefield Gallery New Art Spaces, Unit 14, at the Grosvenor Shopping Centre.

The exhibition runs from November 2 to 29, providing an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Reeve’s varied and compelling depictions of life.

Ann Reeve’s approach to art captures moments that many might overlook: city streets, traffic scenes, and familiar settings.

Her skill lies in presenting these familiar subjects in ways that reveal their potential for beauty, often pairing scenes of the mundane with elements that provoke thought and invite deeper reflection.

“The ordinary can coexist with the extraordinary,” notes the artist, whose work often asks viewers to look beyond the surface of the everyday world.

In addition to her solo work, Reeve has a long-standing connection with the University of Chester

. She attended Chester Life Drawing sessions at the University’s Creative Campus Kingsway, where her focus expanded to incorporate her surroundings alongside the model in her life classes.

This marks her latest project with the University, following her 2013 Life Room exhibition, held at Kingsway.

Reeve’s works draw from diverse settings and inspirations, featuring everything from bustling urban scenes to rural life, elephants to farm animals.

Born and raised in Chester, Reeve’s artistic journey includes early training at Lincoln Art School and life drawing sessions across London, York, and Chester.

Her career highlights include her participation in the prestigious Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 2000 and a residency as the Artist in Residence at the Holy Ascension Church in Upton-by-Chester from 2018 to 2019.

Visitors can view Reeve’s work at CASC on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between 10 am and 4 pm. Admission is free, offering a unique opportunity to experience the thoughtful and captivating work of one of Chester’s most celebrated artists.