A CELEBRATION of winter and rural life in paint, photography and fine craft work is taking place at the Saltbox Gallery this November,

Master blacksmith, Matthew Dwyer and his wife Louise, a jeweller and designer, are celebrating eight years at the gallery and while the eponymous “saltbox” still graces the wall of the traditional 17th century “long house” it now shares the space with a selection of fine art and craftwork.

The latest exhibition “Winterscapes - scenes from a rural life” aims to celebrate the people, landscapes, flora and fauna of the North East, especially its rural communities and traditions.

Local artist and musician Andy Broderick will be showing his energetic and celebratory paintings of nature and wildlife, as well as providing live music at the preview evening.

Andy draws from living objects within nature – plants, animals and human figures, and is interested in the feeling of animation and the sense of being alive that lines and marks can convey when portraying these subjects.

Also showing work for the first time in the Saltbox is photographer Lucy Saggers, based in Ampleforth.

Lucy said: "Rural life and the natural world have always held an enormous fascination for me, both at the landscape level and the detail of living things.

"My practice involves walks and encounters, as well as more structured meetings with the people who live and work in the landscape. She added: "Through my work I would like to quietly draw the viewer's attention to the beauty of the landscape, detailed observations of the natural world, as well as the timeless nature of rural life."

Print maker and flying instructor, Mike Smith also makes his Saltbox debut with his studies of nature and coast, captured in carefully observed sketches which he then produced as very limited edition lino prints.

Alongside these newcomers to the gallery will be the ever popular ceramic sculptures of Karen and Colin Fawcett, the return to the gallery of painters Claire West and Freya Horsley, new nature inspired jewellery by Charlie High and ceramic table ware by Julia Smith.

The opening night on Friday, November 14, includes Andy Broderick providing live music in his alter ego as folk musician. There will also be cheese and wine tasting with local delicatessen Hunters of Helmsley and a chance to meet many of the artists.