No limit on imagination

It may not be at the trendy conceptual end of the art market, but in the four years since its first annual open-submission London exhibition The Society For Art Of Imagination has expanded from ten members in this country to 206 members in 22 countries.

Society members' drawings, paintings and sculptures cover subject matter described as visionary, fantasy or magic realism - but with the emphasis always on the imagination. 'The bottom line is that it mustn't be abstract or totally realistic,' explains society chairman Brigid Marlin (who painted 'The Sick Child', pictured), 'but it's about affirming imagination and inspiration and also about not throwing out traditional painting skills.'

The society's latest exhibition includes 100 works from members and non-members including Ria Parfitt, Laurie Lipton's almost photographically detailed pencil drawings and work from the Society's honorary patron and original designer for the Alien films H.R. Giger. Next year the event becomes even bigger, with a six-week show at the New York Museum And Gallery, launching with a Surreal Ball. 'If you look through history, art of the imagination has always been there, from Hieronymus Bosch and Botticelli to William Blake and Salvador Dali,' Marlin explains. 'And we're continuing to ensure that it's still recognised.'

The Art Of Imagination, Mon 25 Feb-Sat 2 Mar, The Gallery In Cork Street, 28 Cork Street, W1 (020-7437 2812)