Community arts and wellbeing charity The Hive, in Shrewsbury, showcases a specially curated exhibition this winter, by international comic artist Charlie Adlard.

The Hive, on Belmont, is known for delivering street festivals and wellbeing projects amongst other creative and cultural events and November sees their gallery featuring LIFE, an exhibition by a patron with its roots firmly in the building.

Shrewsbury-based artist Charlie attended Tuesday Life Drawing classes at The Hive prior to the pandemic, and will now be exhibiting a selection of figurative sketches created both physically on paper and digitally, using an iPad.

In stark contrast to his more renowned Walking Dead work, Charlie offers an alternative on his creative process.

“I’m very excited about it.” he reveals. “People know me from comics and zombies but they don’t get to see how I apply my artistry to drawing from life, as well as the different techniques I use and new ways I use to express myself. It’s separate to my drawing of comic books. That’s why I like it.

“It’s a cliché I know but a change is as good as a rest. Life Drawing classes at The Hive gave me a platform to draw with a different set of tools and follow an alternative process, which was great.”

As part of the exhibition Charlie will be signing copies of his book LIFE on the launch evening, on Tuesday 15th November.

“Charlie is an incredible home-grown talent,” says Hive CEO Katie Jennings. “We feel proud and privileged to offer the people of Shrewsbury a place they can come and celebrate another side to his artistry.

“Charlie has also made the generous gesture to donate all proceeds from his book signings to The Hive.”

For anyone interested in attending The Hive’s weekly Life Drawing classes, sessions run from 7-9pm, Tuesday evenings during term.

“Come along and have a go!” says organiser Louise Diggle. “Your drawing skills will improve, we're a friendly, mixed-ability group and everyone is welcome to join us.”

• LIFE runs from 15th November - 9th December, with all welcome to attend the launch evening from 6.30pm on the 15th, no booking necessary. For details of the weekly Life Drawing classes, email louisediggle@gmail.com. For more information about The Hive, visit hiveonline.org.uk