Birmingham’s Stryx Gallery will be transformed into an exciting playroom for its first-ever commercial exhibition aimed at children and their families.

Seeking to ‘redefine what a commercial gallery looks and feels like’, this imaginative group show will feature more than 30 works by 12 local artists, who are represented by Stryx in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

Inside the Playroom will see the gallery become a colourful playroom where a selection of affordable, child-friendly illustrations, paintings, collages and soft sculptures will be for sale.

Among the artworks will be depictions of animals, birds and circus scenes, as well as more abstract, decorative patterns and fun still life scenes featuring LEGO, dummies and family-friendly belongings.

Anisa Mosaiebiniya has painted portraits of popular animals in a charming new series of works. She says: “We often view animals through narrow, symbolic lenses: the lion as brave, the owl as wise, the cheetah as fast. But just like people, animals are complex and full of surprises.

“Through these emotionally rich portrayals, I aim to break down stereotypes and invite children to embrace the full range of their own feelings.”

Meanwhile, Bag Lord has collaborated with his daughter to create a series of dinosaur paintings, commenting: “Everyone needs more dinosaur energy in their life”.

Continuing the theme of curious creatures, Lexi Strauss has knitted soft sculptures in the shape of baby worms. In contrast to traditional artworks, her collectable pieces can be played with and live on the floor.

The gallery will be curated like a child’s playroom, with many of the artworks framed and ready to hang in domestic spaces. This will give families an idea of what the artworks would look like back at home – in a nursery, bedroom or other shared spaces.

Directors Anna Katarzyna Domejko and Karolina Korupczynska have said: “Our goal has been to create a fun and imaginative exhibition that not only reflects the amazing creativity in the Stryx community but also encourages families to start their own art collections.

“We’re curating the commercial play gallery with our youngest audiences in mind — creating a playful, inspiring space that could easily fit into a child’s bedroom or playroom. We have selected colourful, affordable artworks that kids (and their grown-ups!) would be excited to see and take home.

“Young people pay great attention to their surroundings, so we hope that it’s through their own children’s eyes that adults will become interested in art and collecting it. We hope to break down barriers for adults who are intimidated by galleries and wouldn’t usually collect art”.

In an attempt to make things accessible, prices for pieces will start at just £20. All proceeds from the artwork sales will go to the selling artists and resources for the programme of children’s community activities, including weekly ‘Stay and Play’ sessions, which are currently unfunded.

The exhibition will open on Sat 29 May and run until the end of summer, 2025. A private view will be held during ‘Stryx for Kids’ on Sat 7 Jun, when there will be a free children’s workshop delivered by Dr Assunta Ruocco (for 5-11 year olds, although all ages are welcome).