Bay inspires artists at The Dukes

Five local artists inspired by the landscape of Morecambe Bay exhibit their work at The Dukes gallery from 10th January.

Quicksands is an exhibition of contemporary mixed media artwork taking its inspiration from Morecambe Bay, its stories, histories and secrets.

It is being staged to coincide with Quicksand, the Dukes new play telling a story of forbidden love on Morecambe Bay which runs from 27th January.

Five artists, all from the Lancaster and Morecambe district working across a range of media, including painting, textiles, ceramics and sound art, take a variety of approaches to exploring and representing the Bay area, responding to the themes of this powerful play.

The artists became friends through their art, either training together at Manchester Met or working together as lecturers, but this is the first time they have exhibited together.

Ann Woodfine found the Quicksand script particularly inspiring as she investigated the distinctive, ever-changing coastal landscapes of Morecambe Bay through a series of drawings and paintings.

Preston College lecturer Christine Stanford unravels the relationship between landscape, family and community in a series of textile artworks and her fellow tutor, Gerry Hickson from Arnside responds to this unique environment in a combination of ceramics, textiles and painting.

Sisters Priscilla Jones and Prudence Edwards combine sound and textile art to bring local histories to life.

• Quicksands runs from 10th January - 13th February at The Dukes gallery which is open from 10.00 am to 11.00 pm, Monday to Saturday. Please call box office on 01524 598500 to check opening times if you’re making a special journey as occasionally the space is closed to the public.