ONCE again the prestigious Lake Artists Society summer exhibition has provided a veritable feast for the eyes, awash with challenging, innovative, fabulously imaginative and highly engaging artworks.

Standout pieces this year are many - Annie Peaker's wonderfully expressive hare ceramics, Kate Bentley's sweeping oils and Danny Clahane's eloquent sculptures, all play their part.

Another striking work is George Cannon's stunning semi-abstract Dungeon Ghyll 111, and there's fine pieces from the distinguished brushes of Marion Bradley, Rachel Gibson, Stephen Darbishire, Fiona Clucas, Phil Hobbs, as well as breathtaking mountain-scapes by Vivienne Pooley, current LAS president.

"People are saying that the exhibition gets better and better every year," said Vivienne, who was elected to the society in 1964.

"Which is always good to hear and very encouraging."

On the prizewinning front, this year’s Kendal Kent Valley Award for an original print or watercolour painting was won by Linda Gallacher for her diptych Cascade. Jack Webster’s oil Grasmere from Butter Crag landed him the Rheged Award for best young artist; Youdells Award for oil, acrylic or mixed media painting went to well-known Lakeland painter Robert Henfrey, and first time exhibitor Brian Shields came away with the Ophelia Gordon Bell Award for sculpture for his The Patronage of Avian John (John Clare poet).

Sadly though, LAS are without one of Cumbria's true giants of landscapes painting - James Ingham Riley, who died earlier this year.

As a tribute, LAS had set up a Memorial Corner in this year's show which includes some of Jim's work alongside pieces by two other highly-respected and gifted artists who died during the past 12 months - architect Michael Bottomley, who became a member of the society in 1948, and wood carver and painter Dick Fisher, who was also a keen climber.

LAS was founded in 1904 due to the initiative and enthusiasm of artist WG Collingwood, a local historian and secretary to John Ruskin.

Members in the early years included Cuthbert Rigby, Fred Yates, Arthur and Fred Tucker and Hubert Coutts (Tucker), who was the first president. Frank Bramley also exhibited.

The first exhibition was in Coniston in 1905.

Since, exhibitions have been staged annually, except for four years during the Second World War. Initially, shows were in various centres, but later at Grasmere Village Hall.

Such is its pulling power, the summer exhibition attracts more than 10,000 visitors.

For an excellent and informative read about LAS turn to Jane Renouf's 2004 tome The Lake Artists' Society - A Centenary Celebration, which marked the society's 100 year milestone and is a tribute to all members past and present, whose work has enriched the region's cultural landscape.

Copies are available at the exhibition.

The exhibition runs until Wednesday, September 2.

Open 10.30am-4.30pm daily.

For further information telephone 015394-35628