North Devon artists come together for vibrant new exhibition

A new exhibition celebrating the creativity of North Devon’s artists is set to brighten up the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon this February.

Titled Artists North Devon: A Vibrant Community, the exhibition brings together works from members of North Devon Arts and Pilton Arts Group, two of the region’s most established art communities.

Visitors will be able to explore a wide range of styles and mediums, from initial sketchbook drawings to fully realised watercolours and oil paintings.

The exhibition opens with a public launch event on Friday 6 February at 5pm, where attendees can meet the artists and view their works. 

Organisers say the display is intended to offer a glimpse into the creative process as well as to inspire visitors to try their hand at art.

Alison Mills, Director of the museum, said:”It’s always a privilege and honour to exhibit the work of local artists within our gallery spaces, and bringing together the work of these two long-established art groups feels an event worthy of celebration. Building community through culture, heritage and the arts is what we’re all about here at the Museum, and this exhibition proves that can be done in style - with joy and plenty of colour! We hope as many people as possible will come and enjoy what will be an uplifting exhibition.”

For the artists themselves, the exhibition is an opportunity to showcase the vibrancy of North Devon’s creative community. 

Stella Levy, a founder member of North Devon Arts and the group’s current Chair, said:

“As a founder member of North Devon Arts (NDA) back in 1998 and its current Chair, I’m aware of how many more opportunities there are today for artists living and working across this mainly rural area. Over the years our membership group has developed good relationships with individual creatives, various art groups and local organisations, and we’re delighted to be partnering with Pilton Arts Group to bring this shared exhibition to the museum. Visitors will see the sketchbooks, drawings and paintings from our North Devon Arts En Plein Air group alongside the watercolours and oil paintings from Pilton Arts group members. Our members look forward to chatting with visitors about the works on show and giving insights into their inspirations.”

Therese Hurst, Chair of Pilton Arts Group, echoed the excitement about the collaboration. She said: “Pilton Arts Groups is excited to showcase paintings by our current members alongside sketches and paintings from North Devon Arts En Plein Air group in the gallery at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon. Pilton Arts Group, established in 1971, benefits from its own dedicated studio space. We hope that this exhibition will serve as an inspiration to other artists and leisure painters, encouraging them to consider joining the group and make use of the excellent studio facilities we have to offer.”

The exhibition will remain on display until 28 March, with free entry for all visitors. The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm.

With the combination of historic art groups, contemporary creations, and opportunities to meet the artists themselves, organisers hope the exhibition will not only celebrate North Devon’s art scene but also encourage the next generation of creatives to get involved.