Two teenage artists have opened their first, joint exhibition.

Art students Beth Coole, 14, and 17-year-old Billie Crowe have opened a display of their paintings and art work at the Mother T’s community art gallery, on New Road, Laxey, last week.

The collection contains two very different styles from each artist, with Beth influenced by Japanese comic book art, which contrasts with Billie’s more abstract and expressionist work, described as work that ’hides thoughts and feelings winding them up into a puzzle of illustrative symbols which leads the viewer to untangle for themselves’.

Both Beth and Billie attend the Art Tank, an arts school based at the Kensington Road Youth Centre,led by noted local painter Anna Clucas.

Despite her young age, this is not the first time Beth has had her artwork displayed publicly, as she had previously been commissioned to create two pieces at the former Compton Vaults venue in Castletown, both of which are included in the exhibition.

’I’ve always loved art and enjoyed drawing for as long as I can remember,’ said Beth.

’I usually draw whatever comes into my head without thinking about it too much.

’In recent years I have been inspired by "Studio Ghibli" and a while ago, a local artist called "Stedhead", although I feel that I am really developing my own style.’

Anna described both artists as ’exceptionally talented’ and said that she felt they were ready to launch their visions into the public eye.

’I really appreciate the opportunity to exhibit my work,’ added Beth.

’I am very grateful to Anna and to Valerie Miller, from Mother T’s.’

The exhibition is available to view at Mother T’s from Wednesday to Saturday, from 10am to 4.30pm and will remain on the wall until the end of November.

More information on Art Tank is available through its Facebook page.