Artists from across the North East are going colour-free for a special exhibition in Bishop Auckland.
The Black and White exhibition at No.42, Market Place, features more than 40 works by 15 local artists, all made entirely in monochrome.
It includes prints, photographs, paintings, drawings and textiles and covers a wide range of subjects from the natural world to the North East’s industrial heritage.
Several of the pieces, including a portrait by Andrew Hopwood, an art teacher from Yarm, were inspired by the forthcoming Mining Art Gallery, which opens in Bishop Auckland on October 21.
Andrew said; “I worked from a photograph that I originally took for a graphic design project in 1986, featuring the son of a miner from this area.
“Working in black and white was a challenge as I usually work in colour but I adapted my usual technique using metallic shades.”
Other artists showing work include, 16-year-old Bishop Auckland photographer, Hope Simpson, fine art graduate Sue Humphrey from Cornsay in north west Durham, award-winning Sedgefield photographer, Chris Webb and Alison Hill who used charcoal, chalk and pastels to create tonal drawings of miners and the mining community.
Gainford resident, Julie Wilkerson, who studied Art and Design at Cleveland College of Art and Design, is also exhibiting intricate textile work inspired by her daughter’s tattoos.
She said: “This is my second time exhibiting at No.42, it’s a beautiful gallery the team are incredibly supportive and encouraging. I’m very happy and extremely proud for my work to be displayed alongside some amazing art.”
No.42, created by regional charity Auckland Castle Trust, is a gallery and shop space designed to support local artists by giving them a space in which to display and sell their work.
Jackie Stonehouse, who manages the space, said: “We wanted to provide local artists with more of a challenge with the monochrome theme. The artwork on display is of a really high standard and this exhibition provides a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the talent and creativity we have here in the North East.”
The Black and White Exhibition at No.42 will run until October 28. Entry is free, with doors open from 10am until 5pm, Wednesday to Saturday.
For more information visit www.aucklandcastle.org www.facebook.com/No42ACT/ or search No42ACT on Twitter or no.42.act on Instagram.
The Mining Art Gallery, which inspired several of the pieces on display, will open on Saturday, October 21 for more information visit www.aucklandcastle.org/mining-art-gallery