KENDAL Art Society stages its annual exhibition a little earlier than usual this year with a two-week show of members' work opening this weekend.

Instead of a July exhibition, the society's ever popular and consistently good showcase runs from Saturday (May 20) until June 3 at Kendal's Stricklandgate House.

The society has been nurturing local talent and creativity since 1931 and its summer showcase is always a highly anticipated feast for art lovers, when members present their latest works.

Among the many talented artists showing this year is Ian Royle a distinguished member of Kendal Art Society for more than 30 years: "I work usually in pastel but this year, as an experiment, my entries for the exhibition are in oils," explained Ian, who is also the society's secretary. "I exhibit regularly with KAS, and also in Kirkcudbright, and frequently at the Lake Artists Society Summer Exhibition."

Also featured in the exhibition will be the creative side of member, Fiona Cartmell, who has been sketching and painting for several years: "I particularly enjoy botanical and wildlife illustration in watercolour aiming for accuracy in depicting the wonderful patterns and symmetry in nature.

"I love to paint outdoors. More recently working on landscapes in watercolour and acrylic. Still lots to learn."

Kendal Art Society's exhibition is open Monday to Saturday, 10am-5pm; closed on Sundays.