Last updated 19:29, Thursday, 23 October 2008

A NEW art gallery at the Great Escape Coffee Shop in Moota is helping to promote local artists while raising money for charity.

The new exhibition space in the coffee shop at Moota Garden Centre, near Cockermouth, has been set up by owner Muriel Simpson and can accommodate up to 30 pieces of artwork or framed prints.

Local artists are invited to display their work in a series of individual monthly exhibitions, which began in September.

The exhibitions are co-ordinated by Mrs Simpson on behalf of Mark Elliott, a Parsonby freelance writer and photographer.

Mr Elliott, 45, whose work is on show at the gallery this month, said: “We have different exhibitors showing their artwork each month and have been pleased so far.

“The space can be enjoyed by customers and artists alike.

“We hope people will want to come and see the artwork for themselves.”

Local food, produce and crafts will also be on sale at the coffee shop, which stands on the site of a former World War Two prisoner of war camp, and Mr Elliott wants to give it a truly local feel.

He said: “The exhibitions fit in with the local produce sold here, which is why we are encouraging local artists to come forward.”

Mrs Simpson said she was delighted with the good start to the exhibitions.

She added: “We want to support local artists and photographers and provide an area for our customers to enjoy.

“We have had an excellent response from people wanting to exhibit here and we are already booked until early next year.”

People will be able to purchase some of the works, with a percentage of each sale being donated to charity.

The first exhibitor was Karen Embleton, a photographer and digital artist from Cockermouth, who displayed her framed prints of the Lake District.

November’s exhibition will feature photography and textiles by Michael and Mirja Dawson, followed in December with watercolours by Jean Stewart Beddison.

Anyone wishing to exhibit should contact Mark on 07964887338.