Inspired by ... Gallery

Over the weekend I received the new Exhibition Programme for the Inspired by ... Gallery, as I'm exhibiting there in August.  The Gallery hosts a series of temporary exhibitions of work by art and craftworkers who draw their inspiration from the landscape, life and colour of the North York Moors. 

The Gallery was built as part of the redevelopment programme for North York Moors National Park Visitor Centre, Danby.  The Gallery is light and airy, and defined by its beautiful untreated oak beam frame, huge timbers which are a work of art in their own right. 

This is in striking contrast to the Visitor Centre, which is a former shooting lodge belonging to the Danby Estate (Dawnay family).  The buildings grew from a 17th century farmhouse, into a smart shooting lodge in the 18th century, 'Danby Lodge' and was used by the family and guests, to enjoy grouse shooting parties across the moors.

Now, as the Visitor Centre, it has displays about the natural history of the moors and moorland wildlife, local history, maps and walk leaflets, tourist information and has a very good tearoom. Also nearby are the remains of the original 14th Century Danby Castle. The castle was once the home of Catherine Parr (Queen of King Henry VIII).

I am exhibiting with three other artists, painters Gail Hurst and Sue Morton, and glass worker Jayne Hibell, and we're busy organising how the exhibition will look and pieces to show.