Artists put various aspects of Newark in the spotlight
A month-long exhibition of work by two artists features scenes of Newark — some of which are more well-known than others.
The exhibition, organised by Mrs Michelle Hobbs and Mrs Margie Andrew-Reichelt, both of Newark, opened on Wednesday in the Spotlight Gallery at Newark Town Hall and runs until May 19.
It features 22 drawings and paintings. They depict not only well-known landmarks in Newark such as the parish church, the Corn Exchange and the former Robin Hood Hotel, but also lesser-known architectural features such as the stone carvings on the facade of the Old Post Office pub.
All of the art was specifically done for the exhibition and everything is for sale.
Mrs Hobbs said: “We are hoping for a good response because people often think that Newark is relatively run down and that is just not the case.
“We have so many beautiful buildings and scenes around the town for us to highlight in this exhibition.”
She said it had taken around three months to get everything finished.
'An opportunity to experiment with new techniques'
Mrs Andrew-Reichelt said her work predominantly focused on portraiture but she had come out of her comfort zone to paint pieces based on places in her home town, where she had lived for 30 years.
She said: “This series are routes to my home, places I pass everyday, such as the cosiness in a favourite pub or the view at the end of a winding road, and in contrast with that there are works of abandoned buildings.
“The exhibition is an opportunity to experiment with new techniques, such as the watercolour paint on wood board used for these pieces, which I have not done before.
“I am hoping there will be a lot of local interest because there are so many overlooked things in our town that can be brought to attention.”
The two artists met at Newark College in 2006, where they studied together, before Mrs Hobbs went on to Nottingham Trent University to study textile design and Mrs Andrew-Reichelt studied fine art at the University of Nottingham.
The exhibition will be open Monday to Saturdays, 10.30am to 3.30pm.
A painting by Mrs Andrew-Reichelt, Being Rosa, was chosen for display at the Mall Galleries, London, after being entered into the Sunday Times Watercolour Competition.
