City makes a big impression on artist

She brought paintings and memories as she found herself the focal point of the opening of a new gallery in a former electrical shop in Hallgate in Cottingham.

And she left with new, favourable impressions of her birthplace after touring the city with gallery owner Michelle Rudland, who wasn't born when Sandra emigrated in 1962.

"I remember the local paper in Hull published a story about a local nurse emigrating to America," recalled Sandra, who is the aunt of Robert Power, Michelle's partner and joint gallery owner.

"And I remember Hull at that time as a dour place with dour people. We'd been evacuated to Beverley during the war and then moved back to St George's Road, but a lot of the rubble from the bombings was still around when I left."

Visits to Hull since her departure have been too infrequent to change her view of the city, until now.

"There was no Humber Bridge when I left and the city was stagnant, but now it's changed dramatically.

"It's lively and bright, with some great buildings. The Deep is beautifully done and I've always liked Land of Green Ginger. I really am in love with the city now."

Sandra, who attended the Hull Regional College of Arts and Crafts, left her home in Washington State to visit family in East Yorkshire and to present some of her work at Artmarket, recently opened by the gallery couple.

"I exhibit a lot of my work and usually I just ship the paintings but I know the owners so I was delighted to attend their launch," said Sandra.

"The gallery is absolutely amazing, a very inviting space with big windows. I love some of the work but it's all a matter of taste."

There is certainly variety in the gallery and its website, www.artmarket.co.uk , with creations from modern artists expert in a range of styles and including Bob Dylan.

Dylan's exhibits have proved popular as Artmarket has opened with a flourish, but Sandra has also caused a stir in a community that has extended a warm welcome to one of its own.

"It's like I have rediscovered my country and my family. Maybe that's something you do when you get older."

She still does "a couple of nursing shifts a week" but life now is dominated by art and travel and she hopes to make annual trips to Hull.

"Most of my work is still life so I wouldn't say travel is direct inspiration but having time away and looking at what other people are doing stimulates the senses. And I know where to come if I ever want to paint a suspension bridge."