Enjoy a trip to the seaside at Barnard Castle arts centre

BARNARD Castle may be about as far from both east and west coast as may be, but that doesn’t stop folk recalling memorable trips to the seaside.
Such escapades form part of the inspiration for anew exhibition at the town’s arts complex, The Witham.
Through fine art paintings, prints and photography of a carefully selected range of artists from across the region, the exhibition – A Dream of the Sea – will take visitors on a journey through seaside landscapes.
The Witham’s visual arts team have selected an eclectic and dynamic blend of works by artists including sculptor Aphra O’Connor, who uses discarded industrial objects to appreciate and record the remaining industries, as well as documenting the decline of those being lost.
Among the atmospheric paintings, prints and photography is the work of Cumbrian printmaker Glenn Thomkinson, including powerful images that capture the brooding mystery of the ocean in his etching and aquatint of Dover Harbour and atmospheric painting of Staffa.
Also exhibiting are painter and printmaker Sarah Harris and Mark A Pearce, artists who have previously generated much interest in visitors to The Gallery at The Witham.
Others include original works by Alison Britton, Fiona Carvell, Hayden Morris, Katie Edwards, Lesley Seegar, Mark Sofilas, Michael P Smith and Myfanwy Williams.
The exhibition continues to Saturday, March 25.
Visitors can also enjoy the handcrafted jewellery display with works by Suzanne Tweddle and Liz Reed, and there is a creation station for children.
The Witham’s chief executive officer Katy Taylor said: “It’s fantastic to be enjoying such a variety of work as part of A Dream of the Sea.
“With visitors increasingly coming to see our latest exhibitions at The Witham, I urge you to visit to enjoy to this dynamic and exciting collection of pictures, prints and sculptures inspired by sea and, with all the works on sale, it’s a brilliant opportunity to pick up a beautiful piece of original art here.”
A Dream of the Sea is open 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday and admission is free.
For more details, call 01833 631107 or email art@the witham.org.uk
For future exhibitions and more information on The Gallery at The Witham, go to www.thewitham.org.uk and select “opportunities”.