FIFTEEN of the region's best artists and makers plus two special guests will be exhibiting and selling their work in the must-see annual Witherslack Artists and Makers Group exhibition that opens on Saturday (September 16).

The esteemed group has been exhibiting in the Old School Room of the Barwick Hall since the early 1990s, beginning with just a handful of Witherslack-based artists, these days attracting interest from across the region.

“Our exhibition demonstrates a wide range of techniques and processes,” explains Pip Hall, a stone lettercarver from Cowgill, near Dent. “It is a wonderful mix of the highest quality fine arts alongside the best of local crafts, including greenwood chairs, oak swill and woven reed baskets, pottery, glass, textiles, jewellery and more. The paintings and original prints on display will feature everything from intricate still life subjects to landscapes and the natural world.”

Another group member is Fiona Clucas. Highly revered far and wide, particularly for her birdlife paintings, Fiona was elected in 2013 as a full member of the Society Of Wildlife Art.

Fiona says the Witherslack group spends a week assembling the show. “The aim is to put these fine arts and crafts together to create a home environment, giving people ideas for their own rooms and spaces.”

Ian Parker, well known for his award-winning still life paintings, is one of two guest artists taking part this year. The other is popular maker Jan Huntley-Peace, whose Art to Wear pieces incorporate elements of textiles, porcelain and print. Jan has been shortlisted for the Cumbrian Artist of the Year as part of C-Art.

“Every year, we try to invite artists and makers whose work we admire and ideally who bring something different to the exhibition overall,” adds Fiona. "This year is no exception and we’re excited to be working with Ian and Jan and are looking forward to incorporating their creative pieces at Witherslack.”

The much-awaited Witherslack exhibition runs until Sunday, October 15, open daily from 10am-5pm.

Also exhibiting will be Jane Bradley, John Calver, Martin Copley, Jacqueline Dobson, Judy Evans, Sue Gilmartin, Paul Girling, Alvin F Irving, Owen Jones, Hans Ullrich, Jo Vincent, DJ Roodhuyzen and Beverley White.

The Barwick Hall or Old School Room is alongside St Paul’s Church near Halecat Nurseries and up the hill from the Town End of Witherslack.

For further information visit www.witherslackartistsandmakers.com.