A fantastic portrait of Johnny Marr came out on top in Hard Rock Cafe Manchester’s Art Challenge.
The creative charity competition was raising cash for the Mercury Phoenix Trust, set up in Freddie Mercury’s memory to fight HIV/AIDS worldwide.
Five artists gathered at Hard Rock Cafe Manchester on Freddie Mercury’s birthday (September 5) for a chance to showcase their artistic skills and win the prize of a £250 Hard Rock Cafe restaurant voucher and a Mercury Phoenix Trust ‘Freddie Mercury merchandise bundle’.
All five artists were tasked with bringing to life a ‘Manchester Musical Icon’, which resulted in portraits of musical legends such as Guy Garvey, Johnny Marr, Morrissey, Liam and Noel Gallagher and Lisa Stansfield.
Ultimately it was Caz Latham’s acrylic portrait of the Smith’s guitarist that caught the eyes of the esteemed judging panel, praised especially for its “vibrant use of colour”.
The five paintings will be on display in Salford’s Mossroom Bookshop until September 30, where a QR code can be scanned to make bids on the paintings as they’re auctioned off for the Mercury Phoenix Trust.
David Adamson from Manchester Confidential added: “It always surprises me the kind of things artists can do, both amateurs and professionals. I’ve really enjoyed seeing the personality of each piece of artwork come to life, and it’s a real pleasure to see people painting what they love.”
Aneta Jarzmik, general manager at Hard Rock Cafe Manchester, said: “We are thrilled to see new faces behind easels as well as returning ones from last year’s challenge. It goes without saying that all artists did an excellent job at capturing the heart and soul of the musicians through an array of different media and styles, and we enjoyed watching them being brought to life throughout the day.”
To make your bid, visit Mossroom Bookshop in Salford, The Quays, M50 3AH, and scan the QR code of the painting you wish to bid to.
