New exhibition in Barnard Castle 'aims to bring the outside in'

FIELDS and Hedgerows, an exhibition inspired by the discovery of the natural world, is at The Witham, from Thursday, May 25 to Saturday, June 17.
Open from 10am to 4pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, the exhibition aims to bring the outside in and is inspired by nature in Teesdale.
Artist Keith Alexander, from the Scargill area, said: “Living in Teesdale for the last 26 years has had a big impact on my subject matter.
“Working from my studio adjacent to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, my work is influenced by the special nature of this spectacular landscape – open moorland and beautiful dales, the habitat for a range of distinctive birds such as the curlew, red legged partridge and the greater spotted woodpecker, which co-exist with farming.’”
Sarah Gent, marketing manager of The Witham, said: “The Fields and Hedgerows exhibition will be a joyful show featuring images of animals and insects that might be found in Teesdale fields and hedgerows and has been curated with the intention of appealing to visitors of all ages.”
The Witham is also working with textile artist Dori Henderson, whose work features in Fields and Hedgerows, to hold a one-day rag rug workshop on Thursday, June 15.
With an early-bird rate of £68, the workshop includes tutorial to start off a rag rug as well as proving kit to take home after the day.
Other artists include Ann Mason’s striking prints, stunning textile works by Ann Lee, painter and printer Emerson Mayes whose pieces are inspired by flora and fauna, and beautiful bird prints by Michael P Smith.
Admission to the exhibition is free.