THE 18-strong members of Riding Mill Art Club are preparing to showcase their latest work.

The long-established club, founded 30 years ago by artist Ron Thornton and continued by the late Bob Tully, have spent months working on a collection which features everything from landscapes of local views to still life.

“There’ll be quite a big variety
of work,” said exhibition
organiser and club treasurer Janet Bennett.

“One of mine features a view of St Mary’s Island, but members enjoy all sorts of subjects and work in everything from pastels and watercolour to oil.”

The exhibition, which will take place in Riding Mill Parish Hall, has become a biennial event and acts as a showcase for local talent, as well as an opportunity for visitors to pick up some original art.

The club, which meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month between 7pm and 9pm in Riding Mill’s other hall, the Millennium Hall, has recently gained several new members.

However, with many members now in their 80s, interest from younger people with an interest in art is actively encouraged.

“Everyone is getting older, so it would be lovely to think we could get some interest from younger people to take the club into the future,” said Janet.

“We are a friendly and enthusiastic club with a broad mix of members.

“We are keen to try out new techniques and enjoy learning both from one another and from visiting artists.”

The exhibition, which is free to visit, will be held in Riding Mill Parish Hall on Millfield Road on November 12 and 13 between 10am and 4pm.