VISITORS to Shap's Old Courthouse will be rewarded with a vibrant exhibition entitled Joining the Dots featuring art and craftwork by members of the local community - the result of a collaboration between Kendal Windows on Art and The Old Courthouse group. The project, which is supported by Awards for All, aims to encourage people of all ages to talk about outdoor spaces which are special to them.

Nicki Smith, KWoA artist, engaged with residents at different meetings and community events and collected information from them about the places in the local landscape surrounding Shap that mean a lot to them. A large map plotting these favourite places forms part of the exhibition.

Some residents have made audio recordings about their special place and others have responded by writing a poem.

KWoA artist Nikey Hunter Dale produced work with Shap Playgroup to produce magnetic artworks for the display wall in the community room at the Old Courthouse. Members of Shap Youth Club enjoyed working with KWoA artist Donna Campbell who helped the young people to create felt artworks inspired by the local landscape. Images from the work produced by both of these groups will be incorporated into digital print design wall blinds created by KWoA for The Old Courthouse.

Mandy Parker, craft tutor, holds monthly sessions at Wasdale Housing open to residents and non-residents. Since Christmas they have been working with Kendal Windows on Art on their contribution to the Joining the Dots project. When discussing their special outdoor spaces they all mentioned the views over the fells, particularly the Kidsty Pike skyline and the variety in the sunrises and sunsets. In their first session they used a photograph of a sunset over the fells by local photographer Patrick Neaves as inspiration for tissue paper collages. In the second session they used silk painting and silk paper fusion to depict the Shap - Kidsty Pike skyline and fells, as well as two places which evoked special memories - the Stepping Stones and Mardale church.

Lynne Rumsey and Patrick Neaves, volunteers at the Old Courthouse, have created an 'outdoor' space inside the gallery complete with waterfall. Children from Shap Playgroup and Shap C of E School were involved in making birds and flowers for the scenery.

The exhibition is on display throughout April. Visit www.theoldcourthouse.org for opening times and details of any special events.

JEAN SCOTT-SMITH