F OUR hubs for art in Hexham town centre have joined forces to give visitors a reason to be jolly this Christmas.

Work from furniture to paintings and handcrafted gifts will be included in a mini art trail to give shoppers a chance to view and buy their own unique pieces of art – often direct from the maker.

The collaboration is the brainchild of Hexham artist Penny Grennan who has been preparing for a group show with other creative workers from across Tynedale at the gallery within the historic Moot Hall.

Penny explained: “Hexham is known for its art and this is a great opportunity for people to visit a number of venues showcasing work from the Tyne Valley at the same time.”

Having recently completed a PhD looking at the value of souvenirs, Penny, who works with paint on canvas, will be exhibiting a body of work based around keepsakes and mementos.

Joining her at the Moothall in the Market Place, will be four other female artists from the district.

Work by painter Jenny Cozens, linoprints by Cathy Duncan, ceramics by Steph Jamieson and pencil drawings by Teresa Toms will feature in the show.

At The Queen’s Hall on Beaumont Street, the popular Christmas Art Sale, including work from invited artists, will run until January 7, while tomorrow, as part of the Highlight’s Contemporary Craft Tour, the venue becomes a showcase for locally-made art.

The Designer Makers Market will showcase talented craftspeople from across the county.

The event runs from 10am until 4pm.

Meanwhile, just a short walk away on Market Street, the Robinson-Gay Gallery is home to an exhibition called Deck the Halls which promises an eclectic mix of work from their curated Christmas Collection. And at the Haslam’s of Hallgate gallery on Hallgate, visitors can enjoy a meet and greet the artists event.

Riding Mill’s Ben Haslam will join artist Gordon Close and bronze sculptor Lisa Delarny to talk about their latest creations.

The event will open on Friday between 6pm and 8pm and will continue on Saturday between 2pm and 4pm.

For more information contact the individual galleries.