A COMMUNITY project which uses art to repair and transform lives has reached its first milestone.

Haverfordwest-based The VC Gallery’s first summer show at the Coffee Cave was opened by the town’s mayor and mayoress last Thursday (July 3) evening.

The project’s founder, military artist Barry John, was a serving member of the Royal Welsh Regiment for 24 years until the end of last year when he left the Army to focus on community arts.

In January the 40-year-old father-of-two set-up the small independent charity, which is based at a studio at the back of Dark Street and uses art to bring veterans and the community together.

The summer show collection is as varied as the artists themselves, with paintings, photography, models, poetry, graffiti art and drawings from 14 exhibitors.

Barry said: “Whether working with veterans suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or members of the community requiring some guidance and stability, art is a unifying force that brings people together and changes lives, nowhere is that more evident than in here tonight.

“There is nothing pretentious or mystical about this art show. While art is clearly respected for providing the catalyst for change, this is a community project where much more matters.”

The show is at the Coffee Cave, High Street, all summer.

The project’s future depends on long-term funding. For more information visit www.thevcgallery.com.