SCARTH Memorial Hall, in Staindrop, has expanded its offering to include an exhibition space where an art group can display and sell its work.
Currently the exhibition space in The Bistro is exclusive to artists who form part of Jane Young’s group which use the hall, but there are plans to extend it to other crafty people in the village later in the year.
Art group member and hall volunteer Wendy Blair said the space has been well received and several artists have already sold works to people attending the weekly community cafe mornings and open mic nights.
She said: “Later in the year we are looking at open exhibitions.
“We are having a Focus on Flowers in Teesdale in April and to tie in with the open gardens event at the end of June we are going to have one with anything to do with gardens. We will be in the main hall as well. so it could be different media.”
Ms Blair specialises in glass paintings after learning the skill through one of the sessions presented by Ms Young.
She said: “I just got hooked. I go into charity shops and pick up a photograph frame or a vase or any other pieces I like and colour them.
She now colours a range of glass items including Christmas baubles and tealight holders which sell well during events at the hall.
Having the exhibition space had also helped to build the confidence of people in the group, Ms Blair said.
She also praised Ms Young, who had arranged for two of the artists to submit works for the Royal Summer Exhibition last year. Ms Blair said: “Unfortunately neither was selected but they got through to the last 1,000 so it was a good confidence booster.”
People can visit the exhibition during hall opening hours.
