Two new exhibitions by quite different artists – one showcasing contemporary sculpture the other intricate botanical illustrations – have opened at Batley Library and Art Gallery.

With Intent: Fanciful Objects is a collection of works by Leeds-based Paula Chambers that questions the nature of domestic space from a gender and feminist perspective. Paula, who recently completed studies for a PGCE at the University of Huddersfield, is exploring the move towards ‘Domestic Goddess’ that is a hallmark of life for women in the early 21st century - 40 years on from their mothers’ and grandmothers’ struggle for equality.

A member of the Yorkshire Sculpture Group, Paula has exhibited widely throughout the region.

Julie Mason grew up in rural East Yorkshire with a love of the countryside and draws botanical illustrations from live specimens, most of which she grows herself. Her life-size works are pinpoint accurate and are often drawn with the aid of a magnifying glass. She exhibits with the Society of Botanical Artists in London and has had works accepted for the archives of the Sheffield Florilegium Society, which records plans in the city’s botanical gardens. The exhibitions run until November 22 and the gallery is open every day except Sunday.

Satisfaction not included, by Paula Chambers