Colourful Artwork And Prints On Display In Newcastle

The Northern Footprints exhibition opens tomorrow in the Ouseburn Valley, an area within Newcastle-upon-Tyne, showcasing prints from studio users and many critically-acclaimed printmakers.

The artwork features seascapes, landscapes, interior and exterior studies as well as many other more quirky subjects.

Part of the aim is to get more businesses to realise the importance of brightening up their dull office walls with inspiring and colourful artwork.

The exhibition runs until Thursday 20th November.

Meanwhile, eight artists' studios in the Ouseburn Valley are offering the general public the chance to do some original and eclectic Christmas shopping.

On November 29th and 30th this year, 130 artists, designers and jewellery makers will open their doors to answer questions about their work, and take orders for Christmas commissions and purchases.

Nick James, one of the artists and director of The Mushroom Works, told local paper Journal Live that there was art available for all budgets. Explaining his company's '20x20 for £20 scheme', he said: "The idea is that people can get a 20cm square piece of original art for just £20. It means people can buy a really special gift that won't break the bank."

The weekend offers a chance to talk to artists and take workshops, as well as the chance to buy canvases. Bernadette Korenteng, one of the painters based in the Ouseburn Valley, will be leading a life-drawing class for adults and a graffiti art class for children.

Emma Holliday, a painter at 36 Lime Street, said: "I think people enjoy being able to talk to artists. People can buy a painting from a gallery at any time but it is only this weekend that lets people talk to the artists behind them.