THE WORK of around 80 artists will go on show in Batley tomorrow as one of the area’s major art events gets underway.
Dewsbury Arts Group’s spring exhibition has become one of the big dates in the calendar for the Heavy Woollen Area.
The show opens tomorrow at Batley Art Gallery (February 16) and runs until April 13.
Artists whose work will be on show include Mary Follows, Roger Gardner, Trevor Pittaway, Marjorie Bateman, Vivienne Brown, Roger Gardner, Bruce Mulcahy, David Wood, Malcolm Jones and new members Henry Thornton and David Booth.
Andrew Bennett’s artwork, titled Self Portrait features on this year’s exhibition poster and he is delighted to be exhibiting with the group once again.
Andrew studied a foundation course at Batley Art College and later attained a degree in Fine Art at Coventry Polytechnic.
He said: “I work mainly in acrylic or mixed media on site and in all weathers.
“Recently I’ve become more interested in portraiture with early 19th century Realism providing my main source of inspiration.
“Artists I admire include Edward Hopper, Warhol, Francis Bacon, and the Neo-Romantics of the 1940s and 50s.”
The exhibition also marks the return of Karen Stansfield to the role of Art Secretary for Dewsbury Arts Group, after a three year break.
She said: “It’s good to be back supporting this local group in its 50th year and I’m looking forward to the exhibition and showcasing in Batley’s beautiful Carnegie Library and Gallery.”
Karen will be exhibiting etchings which she created using a kinetic drawing machine made by her friend, the late local artist Andy Banks. “Andy was a fine artist and musician and gave me one of his kinetic drawing machines after he completed his degree in Fine Art at Batley Art College in 2003.
“When I heard of his death, I immediately set to work producing copper and zinc plates to create a collection of etching prints. It was an intense process to go through but very satisfying, and I have marvelled at his genius.”
Batley Art Gallery’s exhibition coordinator, Mark Milnes, is also happy to see the group exhibiting at the gallery for this show.
“Dewsbury Arts Group exhibitions are always amongst our most popular here at the gallery,” he says.
If you want more details, go to the group’s website, www.dewsburyartsgroup.info, or contact Batley Library on 01924 326021.
The gallery is situated on the first floor of the library building, and is accessible via stairs or lift.
