ART students from the University of Bolton are presenting their first exhibition at Bolton Parish Church this evening — with the help of an acclaimed local landscape painter.

The Lost Creatives, a group of second year students, have tackled issues from the past, present and future — including body culture, consumerism and surveillance — for their debut exhibition called To be Lost is to be Free.

Bolton-born painter James Naughton, who is exhibiting at Bolton Museum with Naughton and Moran: Paintings of the American West, will be the guest speaker.

The annual exhibition follows a long line of shows from previous students who have exhibited in and around the Manchester area.

But this year The Lost Creatives made a decision to have their show in Bolton, where it will be accessible to local people.

The artists include Amy Agnew, Liam Ainscough, Clinton Ajose, Jean–Jacques Ateba, Bonnie Brown, Helen Clegg, Laura Collier, Jake Crooks, Sophie Deegan, Rose Elliott, Mikki Gleave, Charmaine Johnson, Laura Kelly, Jody Middleton, Scarlett Owen, Caitlin Peroni, James Scott, Patricia Stansfield, James Stych and Valerie Whittle.

The show’s opening will be held tonight at 6pm and will run until May 4 at the church, in Silverwell Street.

One of the artists, Clinton Ajose, said: “There will be something for everyone at the exhibition — from the sublime to the absurd. It will be thought-provoking and entertaining. There will even be a performance of a life size wooden dog on wheels.

“Our main objectives are to present work that narrates our innovative approach to the ever changing art world of today.

“We also aim to inspire other artists to experiment with new ideas and gain inspiration from our work.”