A popular local artist has been chosen to represent the Isle of Man at a major cultural festival later this year.

Julie Ashby Smyth has been named as the Manx representative artists for the Manx delegation to the Lorient festival, held during August this year.

Julia, who runs the Hodgson Loom Gallery, is a well know illustrator, and her highly recognisable, other-world inspired work has been repeatedly used to adorn many books and products from the island.

The festival, which regularly attracts upwards of 750,000 festival goers, is held in Brittany each year.