AS it has been doing for over five decades, this year’s Gargrave Art Exhibition showcases the spectacular wealth of local talent from both professional and amateur artists.

Just over 100 artists, will be showing over 300 pieces of work in the main exhibition over the course of the four days in July,  and in the young artists' section 22 pieces by 16 artists, 18 years and under, will be on view.

Exhibitors include children from Gargrave Primary School and from residents of Milton House care home.

Visitors always enjoy the challenge of choosing their favourite artwork in the main exhibition - including Gargrave Art Group - and the young artists section. The children from Gargrave Primary will once again provide a dazzling display, which brings the total number of contributors to around 300.

Brian Burton, a professional artist, based in Hetton, who has had several solo exhibitions and who took part in the recent North Yorkshire Open Studios weekends, is lead curator for the show and judge of the young artists age group categories.

For artists of all ages his advice is simple: “Follow your passion.” And for those just beginning their artistic journey he adds: “There is good art and there is bad art but unlike all of your other studies there is never a wrong answer.”

Showing great enthusiasm are the children from Gargrave Pre-School busy creating artwork for the exhibition.

Judith Metcalfe, deputy manager of the pre-school, said: “Art is a great way for the children to express themselves, explore colours and senses.” And proving that it’s never too late to begin a new venture, the residents of Gargrave's Milton House nursing and residential home are displaying their work for the first time.

Led by activities supervisor, Carol Barker, a group of residents meet weekly for a 'very enjoyable' session with paints, pencils and a water sprayer. Much of the artwork is for sale as the event acts as a fundraiser for the Gargrave Village Hall charity. Admission is free - donations are welcome - there is on-site car parking, and there will be homemade cakes and refreshments available from the Gargrave 2022 Group.

The exhibition at Gargrave Village Hall, West Street, opens on Thursday, July 6 and runs until Sunday, July 9 . It will be open 10am to 7pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 4.30pm on Sunday.