A STUDIO group is to host its first exhibition in the village where it was formed two decades ago.
Hamsterley boasts the longest running studio group to be formed by renowned artist and illustrator Linda Birch and now the artists are preparing to collectively show off their work in the village for the first time.
Mrs Birch, famous for illustrating the TV Bagpuss series, started the group after moving to the area with her husband, Revd Canon Trevor Pitt, in 1999.
It has grown from an initial eight people to more than 20 members who meet every week in the village hall.
Each week the group tackles different things, such as outdoor painting, abstract and still life, and in a variety of different mediums such as watercolour, oil, pastel and pencil. Tracey Hull, who has been part of the group since its inception, said it had helped her immensely to refine her art.
Principally an animal portrait artist, Mrs Hull said: “I have developed skills I didn't know I had. By doing different things and working in different medium you learn skills which you can transfer to what you actually enjoy.”
Mrs Birch added that the aim of the studio group was to provide learning in a fun way.
Along with the weekly studio gatherings, the artist also provides an intensive five
day summer school in the village.
The new exhibition of the group's work takes place on September 28 and September 29 at Hamsterley Village Hall.
For more information contact Tracey Hull on 07732 319684.
