A GROUP of Tynedale artists are showcasing their work at a city centre exhibition.

Last Friday saw the preview of VARC In The City, an exhibition at Abject Gallery in Bamburgh House, Newcastle, displaying some of the best artwork which the region has to offer.

The preview, accompanied by live jazz and traditional Northumbrian folk music, launched the exhibition, which runs until Saturday, December 19.

Situated on the eighth floor of a former office block, Abject Gallery couldn’t be further removed from the remote and rural landscape of Tarset, the home of Visual Arts in Rural Communities (VARC) and the inspiration for much of the artwork on display.

With its spectacular rooftop views of Newcastle, the gallery in Market Street is the perfect location to showcase rural artwork in a contrasting urban setting.

And this is a first for VARC artists. Never before has their work been exhibited at a city centre location.

Artwork is on display from VARC associated artists Khosro Adibi, Julia Barton, Kate Bellis, Mike Collier, Robbie Wild Hudson, LEO, Kim Lewis, Sally Matthews, Imi Maufe, Nigel Morgan, Jilly Morris, Helen Pailing, Ingrid Pollard, Jenny Purrett and Karen Rann.

Gallery-goers also have the chance to purchase the artists’ work.

The money will go towards supporting the artists, VARC and Bamburgh House, Breeze Creatives’ new base and venue.

The exhibition also saw the launch of a set of prints from five artists who have held VARC residencies.

The images express each individual artist’s experience of Highgreen’s natural landscape.

Project director Janet Ross said: “We will be bringing a part of Tarset to Newcastle through showcasing work inspired by the rural landscapes into the city.

“We hope that many members of the public will visit who may not have been able to go to previous VARC events due to its location in rural Northumberland.

“Sales from the show will bring in much-needed income which will help ensure the continuation of the residency programme and its engagement work.”

The event is in collaboration with Breeze Creatives which runs Bamburgh House, a nine-storey arts building in the heart of Newcastle.

VARC is based at Highgreen, Tarset, and has been funding 12 month residencies for visual artists since 2000.

Through residencies, funding and projects, VARC aims to offer artists the opportunity to engage with others through creative activity.

The exhibition is open Friday and Saturday from 11am to 4pm.