Moors gallery becomes haven for inspired artists

3:28pm Thursday 27th March 2008

A NEW gallery created at the Moors National Park Centre at Danby, which has recently seen the completion of a £1 million refit, is becoming a haven for moorland artists and craftworkers to showcase their work.

The centre's Inspired By Gallery is now regularly hosting displays and exhibitions from some of the North York Moors finest creative talent, and over the next few weeks visitors will be able to buy works from painters, potters, ceramicists, photographers, glass makers and jewellery designers, said Sally Smith, the National Park Authority's events and exhibitions co-ordinator.

"The Inspired by Gallery was created to provide a showcase for the considerable arts and crafts talent we are fortunate to have within the National Park.

"These contemporary artists take the beauty of the local landscape as their inspiration and create some truly amazing pieces.

"Why not pay the gallery a visit over the next few weeks and treat yourself to something beautiful and unique that I'm sure will be treasured for ever."

Until Tuesday, April 8 there will be a joint exhibition of paintings by Gail Hurst and earthenware by Jill Christie.

Gail works mainly in pastels to reflect her love of the ever changing light and atmosphere of the sea and moors.

Jill produces a variety of one-off pieces including large decorated vases and bowls, as well as cut-out candle-holders and table lamps and uses real leaves to decorate many of her creations.

Local artist James Haggath is exhibiting his paintings of the North York Moors from Tuesday, April 1 to Tuesday, April 15 and photographer Carmen Smith will be showcasing her images of the area in the centre's tearooms until the end of April.

Display cabinets in the gallery also house pieces of craft for sale and over the next few months the featured artists will be: Gillies Jones Glass - vibrant, blown glass bowls from glassmaker Stephen Gillies and artist Kate Jones; ceramicist Ailsa Nicholson who creates a variety of stunning decorative wheel thrown pieces and hand-built sculptures; and jewellery designer Lynne Glazzard who works with silver, enamel and anodised aluminium to create some colourful pieces.

The centre is on the outskirts of the village of Danby. Entry to the centre and the exhibitions is free of charge.

The centre can be accessed by the Moorsbus network on a Sunday.

For more information on opening times and other activities at the centre call 01439 772738 or go to www.visitthemoors.co.uk

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