An art gallery is mounting an exhibition by a Jewish artist that it hopes will attract local strictly Orthodox Jews.

The Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead is displaying prints by Naomi Alexander exploring her Jewish roots in eastern Europe. The exhibition, which is called Once Upon a Time in Lithuania, consists of over 70 works.

According to the curator (and JC art critic) Julia Weiner, two works have been excluded in order “not to offend religious sensibilities”. They depict swimmers on a beach and an elderly woman in a sleeveless top and shorts.

The exhibition opened on June 1. A private view took place this week with guest speaker, Lithuanian ambassador Asta Skaisgirytë Liauskienë and members of the Gateshead Jewish community.

Following the exhibition, Ms Alexander will become artist in residence in the community to work with students and senior citizens.

“I think I will learn a lot,” she said.