THE work of artists based in Teesdale will go on show at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, this week.
All those taking part in the Showcase Exhibition are members of the recently-formed Teesdale ArtNet.
Since the group’s launch, 32 artists, all at different stages of their careers, have joined and organisers say the exhibition will be a chance to see the variety and quality of art and craftwork produced in the dale.
All ArtNet artists either live or work in the dale, and include jewellery artisans, ceramicists, sculptors, and textile artists as well as artists working with paint, pencils and pens.
Much of the work on display is inspired directly by the landscape and the wildlife of the dale.
Familiar wild and domestic animals are represented in sculpture, as well as paint, pencil and ink.
Established artists such as Chris and Val Mouncey and Judy Caplin will be joined by less familiar names, including Cathy Beaumont, Holly Scott, Alison Lamb and Rachel Scott.
The exhibition opens on Friday, April 27, and runs until May 26 at The Witham. It is free to enter and is open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am to 4pm.
There is a preview from 5pm to 8pm on Thursday, April 26, with the opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy a glass of wine in the gallery.
The Showcase Exhibition coincides with Teesdale ArtNet’s open studios event, which runs from Saturday, April 28, to bank holiday Monday, May 7.
During this time, 22 ArtNet members are throwing open their doors and welcoming members of the public.
In addition, workshops and taster sessions have been arranged to coincide with the exhibition and open studios.
Anne Mason will run an introductory watercolour course on Monday, April 30, while Jane Young is offering taster sessions at her regular art classes at Whorlton Village Hall and the Scarth Hall, in Staindrop. Places must be booked in advance.
There are also free drop-in sessions at the open studios of Ann Whitfield and Suzanne Williams, for which no booking is required.
The open studios brochure, giving full details of who to contact, booking and costs of the workshops can be downloaded at https://www.tees daleartnet.org.uk/teesdale-artists-events-and-exhibi tions .html.
There are also two open studios bus tour of offer to those wishing to meet th artists.
The first is Saturday, April 28, and departs the car park at the back of The Witham at 10.30am taking in Startforth, Cotherstone, Mickleton and Middleton-in-Teesdale.
The second, on Friday, May 4, covers Lynesack, Winston, Whorlton, Eggleston and Romaldkirk, Bowes and Barningham. To book a place, contact Jane Young at teesdale artnet@gmail.com.
