A NEW initiative to take artwork out into the community is launched next weekend.

Members of Lowes Court Gallery, in Egremont, are getting together to stage their first 'outreach exhibition' of art and craftwork at Santon Bridge Village Hall.

The pop-up event will feature work from around a dozen regular Lowes Court exhibitors, all of whom are from the local area. A number of them have previously exhibited at Santon Bridge, but others will be showing at the venue for the first time.

The event is being co-ordinated by Madeleine Warren and Gareth Harrison. Mr Harrison, a painter and photographer based in Seascale, said the event "should provide a real splash of colour for the summer".

He added: "Selected works will include landscape in acrylics and oils, lino-cut prints, photography, textiles and crafts.

"Prints and cards will also be on sale, and a percentage of the proceeds will go to support Lowes Court, which has been a feature on Egremont Main Street for 40 years, and still runs as a charity to support local artists."

Santon Bridge Village Hall is situated around 200 yards past The Bridge Inn on Eskdale Road.

The exhibition is held on August 20 and 21, 11am to 5pm, with free parking and entry.

For more information, contact Lowes Court on 01946 820693 or lowescourt@btconnect.com.