Felt landscapes and mixed media art goes on display

ARTISTS who met during a workshop are joining forces to stage the final exhibition at The Witham’s gallery, in Barnard Castle.
Claire Priestley and Zara-Louise Dickinson have combined for Power and Serenity.
The display features wet felted landscapes by Ms Priestley and mixed media pieces by Ms Dickinson.
The pair met at a felting workshop hosted by Ms Priestley at her Staindrop home.
Ms Priestley said she used merino wool and mixed fibres, suck as silk and acrylic, to produce the landscapes for the exhibition.
She explained that what started as a hobby about four years ago had developed into a business, after she set up Teesdale Felt.
“I do a lot of workshops in the dale and further afield along with demonstrations to groups such as WI branches,” she said.
“Felt is very tactile and unlike working with oil or acrylics, if you want to make an adjustment, it is easily rectified.”
During the exhibition, which continues to December 23, Ms Priestley said she was planning to host workshops at The Witham.
Ms Dickinson, from Thirsk, works in mixed media, which includes “some felt, some fabric, pastels and acrylics” .
She added: “It is mostly landscapes, seascapes – and animals, big and colourful.
“It’s eclectic. I am inspired in the moment and go with which ever medium I want to at the time.
“It is something I do because I am passionate about it.”
Admission to the gallery at The Witham is free during centre opening hours.