AN Altrincham artist with Syrian heritage is shining the spotlight on the war-torn country.

Jo Scorah will open her 'Moments of Expulsion' exhibition at ArtWork Atelier, in Greengate, Queen Street, Salford on Friday November 25, from 10am to 4pm.

The topic is a cause close to the heart of Jo, who gained a degree in embroidery and a Masters in textiles after going back to university aged 45.

Her family are Sephardic Jews – a Jewish community originating in the Middle East – and her grandparents were from Aleppo, in Syria.

Jo said: “Exile and migration have always played a pivotal role in the concept of my work and today’s drastic situation in Aleppo forged me into attempting to depict the collapse of this beautiful city.”

As part of the exhibition there will be a symposium entitled 'A sense of belonging' on Saturday November 26, from 2-4pm.

A panel of refugees and professionals will discuss the emotional side of forced migration and how to fit into British culture.

Participants include Dr Aala-El-Khani, a Research Associate in the School of Psychological Sciences at The University of Manchester, musician Tagne Tebu, Salford councillor Tanya Burch, and humanitarian activist Dr Shameela Zulfiqar. The panel will be chaired by Dr Mustafa Alachkar.

As well as Friday’s public exhibition there will be viewings by appointment from Monday November 28 to Thursday December 1.

For more information, visit Jo’s website at joscorah.co.uk.