A WHALLEY student is hoping to inspire more people to get interested in art during his first solo exhibition.

Sam Gadd, of Oakdale Drive, has a passion for architecture and has explored its connections with society in his ‘Constructing Communities’ exhibition, which runs until May 30.

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The 23-year-old, who is in his final year of a graphic communication degree at University Centre at Blackburn College, is taking part in Urban Room Blackburn – an exhibition running in the town throughout the month.

The exhibition explores Blackburn life throughout the day and night, and how this differs and affects the economy.

His solo exhibition opens this week and explores how Blackburn’s growing economy is reflected through its urban landscape.

He said: “I sought to establish a link between Blackburn’s economy and its architecture.

“I wanted to express how important architecture can be to the prosperity of society and how people are then able to resonate more with a town or city based on the buildings and urban landscape.

“The strap line to my exhibition is ‘Connecting people to place through architecture’.

“A big part of it is to engage the youth of the town in ways they can have a say on the environment they live in.”

Sam, a former pupil of St Christopher’s High School in Accrington, specialises in graphic design, photography and film making.

He spent three months gathering all research theory and statistics for the exhibition, and then a further three months designing all the elements for his first exhibition.

Sam said: “I’m nervous but cannot wait at the same time.

“I have a programme of events for the 10 days it is up and running until May 30.

“Some of the days will be dedicated to engaging the youth of the town.

“Drawing workshops and talks will be on to anyone that wants to get involved in them.”

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said: “For someone so young to achieve a solo exhibition is absolutely amazing.

“The world is his oyster and I look forward to seeing some of his work.”

Sam hopes to pursue a career in design and marketing, and develop other passions along the way, such as travel.

The exhibition is open until May 30 from 10am until 6pm every day at No 63, King William Street, Blackburn, and entry is free.