This July Kirkby Lonsdale CIC and Green Close Studio are putting on a free art exhibition at St Mary’s Church in Kirkby Lonsdale.

The exhibition will take place from July 19 to August 6, showcasing artwork from the Phoenix Rising art and wellbeing workshops- an art and wellbeing initiative offered to Lune Valley residents in the aftermath of the third national lockdown.

And, if Covid restrictions ease from July 19, an exclusive launch party for workshop participants and artists will be taking place on July 20.

The artwork includes a photo exhibition, a collaborative map, town bunting and a ceramic candle-lit display.

The launch night provides an opportunity for workshop participants to celebrate their work together, most of which was collaborative.

It will also be one of the first events in Kirkby Lonsdale taking place after all Covid-19 restrictions have been scrapped by the government, including the cap of 30 people in an indoor setting.

However, the launch night will be an intimate affair and the Phoenix Rising exhibition will be a safe space throughout July and August where visitors will be advised to sanitise upon entry and wear masks while inside the building.

Jacky Houghton, a Phoenix Rising workshop participant who will be displaying artwork at the exhibition, said: “I’m really looking forward to the exhibition this July, not just because my art will be on display but to see it next to everyone else’s.

“I had such a fantastic time at the Phoenix Rising workshops where I met some lovely people and bonded with them over our different approaches to art.

“I can’t wait for the rest of the town to benefit from Phoenix Rising in the same way I did.”