Maree Kelly is one of more than 900 people to contribute a sketchbook to the "historic project" and one of 10 artists paid to contribute works.

The sketchbooks will go on display in libraries across the New England and North West from September.

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Mrs Kelly said it was "a great way to help keep people inspired and working creatively".

"I was delighted to be involved with the project as I thought it was a great initiative from Arts North West to engage with the many creative people living in our region during such a hard time for the arts community in particular," she said.

Arts North West changed up the original project concept to give artists a community project they could do at home amid the COVID crisis.

"For me, personally, I found joy in going back to basics and working in a small sketchbook with drawing media. I found myself rediscovering my 'backyard' and looking more closely at my environment, which I most definitely take a bit too much for granted," Mrs Kelly said.

"It was fabulous to have something to focus on to keep the creativity flowing and to start developing ideas for new work in my own arts practice."

Arts North West executive director Caroline Downer said the project spanned across 12 council areas and thousands of kilometers but still provided "a real sense of community and connectiveness".

"The recipients' [works] are a great reflection of the quality and diversity of the New England North West creative landscape," she said.

Tamworth's Joanna Stead was also chosen for the project.