Starting next week The Greenfield Gallery in Newton Aycliffe will be filled with work by an arts and wellbeing group from Stockton-on-Tees. Phoenix Art Group is a constituted group who offer a safe and welcoming space for people to people to engage in Arts and Crafts activities every Saturday at Portrack Community Centre.
The group have a collection of materials and equipment available for participants to use to create their own work. Support, encouragement and knowledge are provided by local artist Adrian Moule, who took responsibility for the group’s development in 2003 and acts as volunteer project manager.
The group have received some funding in the twelve years from various sources including Northern Rock and Heritage Lottery; however most of their funding comes from within, with participants contributing each week towards the cost of rent of the space and materials.
The group continues to grow in numbers and aspirations, with participants benefitting from the welcoming atmosphere and being creative, some have even gone on to study art and design at college and university level after joining the group.
This exhibition showcases the talent currently within the group, with almost every regular participant exhibiting at least one piece of work in this group exhibition. The work will include painting, drawing, printmaking, textiles, bookmaking, sculpture and more and is a great opportunity to see what they do.
The exhibition will be open from Thursday 8th January- Wednesday 29th January 2014, the gallery is open Monday to Thursday 10am – 9pm and Friday 10am – 4pm and is free. For more information visit the website www.greenfield-arts.co.uk.  For more information about Phoenix Art Group contact Adrian phoenixartgroup1@hotmail.com.