Seventeen artists from across the North East are taking part in a special exhibition focusing on all things floral.
Exhibition of Bloom, at No.42, Bishop Auckland Market Place, features a wide range of paintings, textiles, glass and photography, all created specially by regional artists from across Weardale, Teesside and County Durham.
Those exhibiting include 14 year-old photographer, Amy Pringle from Bishop Auckland, who is showing her work publicly for only the second time.
She said: “Everything in the Exhibition of Bloom is absolutely amazing and I can’t believe my work is up there among them. I really hope this will be the first step to a long term creative career.”
Others with work on show include Weardale papercut artist, Anna Osbourne, Hartlepool painter, Lisa Empson, Newton Aycliffe teaching assistant, Alyssa Griffiths, Durham abstract artist Alison Gargett, fine art graduate Sue Humphrey based in Cornsay, North West Durham and self-taught creative, Maggie Potter Briggs, who lives in Billy Row, near Crook.
Binchester-based Pam Pott, who is also exhibiting, has created 3D flowers made of upcycled glass, she said: “I’ve thought about sculpting flowers in this way for many years and the Exhibition of Bloom gave me the push I needed to do it.”
Exhibition of Bloom, curated by Auckland Castle Trust, was inspired by the Bishop Auckland and Coundon in Bloom campaign, designed by Durham County Council to help spruce up the area in time for summer.
Councillors Joy Allen and Charlie Kay, who led the initiative, both recently attended a special preview of the exhibition at No.42 and are now encouraging others to visit too.
Joy, who is also Chair of Bishop Auckland and Coundon In Bloom, said: “I am delighted No.42, together with talented local artists, is showcasing a wide range of arts and crafts inspired by Bishop Auckland and Coundon In Bloom. Everyone visiting the town should definitely call in and see the beautiful range of work now on display.”
Exhibition of Bloom is running at No.42 Bishop Auckland Market Place until July 8 2017. Entry is free and doors are open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm.
No.42, run by Auckland Castle Trust, currently hosts six exhibitions per year, for artists from across the North East to display and sell their works. For more information or to apply to exhibit please email no42@aucklandcastle.orgor call 01388 660270.
More details about Bishop Auckland and Coundon in Bloom are available by searching BAandCinBloom on Facebook or visiting www.bloomtalk.org.uk