A CRITICALLY acclaimed artist has been commissioned to bring a new look to a 14th Century church building this summer.

St Mary's, in York, will take on a whole new feel as Susie MacMurray uses space and light to create her exhibition, called Echo.

The event follows the success of last year's Breathing Space, by artist Caroline Broadhead.

Ms MacMurray will use hairnets and rosin-covered horsehair from violin bows to create pieces to fill the nave of the church.

She said: "To be able to work in a space like St Mary's is fantastic.

"I am really excited about the project. I have chosen the name Echo because I wanted to create something that would reflect, or echo, the contemplation, memories and history that have taken place at St Mary's over the last thousand years.

"Untraceable sounds, experiences and emotions that science cannot pin down have existed in the space. My work is a response to this."

Art students from York St John college will help Ms MacMurray create pieces for the exhibition.

Ms MacMurray said: "It is great for me to be able to work with the students; there is no way I could do such a project without them. I hope they will get a lot out of the experience as well."

Caroline Worthington, curator of art for the Yorkshire Museum Trust, which runs St Mary's, said: "We are thrilled to have Susie coming to St Mary's. Her piece entitled Flock at York Art Gallery has created a lot of interest in the city and we are pleased to have commissioned her for St Mary's.

"I have seen her plans for St Mary's and the imaginative way she plans to use the space and I cannot wait to see how it will look when it is all finished."

Echo will be at St Mary's from June 16 to October 29. Entry is free.

* www.susiemacmurray.co.uk