A new exhibition is set to open this Friday in Maryport, showcasing both local talent and famous names.

Egremont based Artist Emma Hunt will be opening the doors to her first ever pop-up gallery, entitled 'Turning the Tide', in the heart of Maryport at No52 Senhouse Street, this Friday, with an exciting lineup including seven rare pieces by the late Percy Kelly.

The exhibition starts on Friday 28th May at 10am and runs for five days.

The project has been organised by Jeremy N'Dure, Gareth Falkingham and Maria N'Dure. It will include works by local artists, including Sarah Reid as well as works by the famed Percy Kelly and Sky Landscape Artist of the Year, Jen Gash.

Organiser Emma Hunt has enjoyed a very steady rise in the arts world, after rekindling her love of art two years ago. She states that she wishes to continue to share the benefits of art as far and wide as she can to help with the wider push to regenerate the Allerdale region.

She said: "Percy Kelly's works are rarely shown at a public venue, so this is a good time to view his fabulous works and visit a vibrant town on its ascendency as the regeneration commences.

Emma will also be bringing a few never before seen paintings of her own and explains she feels a kinship with the town after helping with this, the latest in a line of projects she has developed.

She said, “Maryport is often left out of the tourist map and people are missing a belter of a day out. There’s lots to see and do here for families and the town has always been very kind to me.

"You can also see some cracking sunsets across the Solway. This draws my heart even closer to a beautiful place to be.”

Emma also informed us that there are further plans in the town for arts and culture coming up. Firstly, The Settlement on Castle Hill are asking for artists to come forward for future exhibitions, she reveals.

Linda Wyatt, Settlement community volunteer said of the plans: “The Settlement will be offering space to local artists from end June 2021; we hope to have gallery of regularly changing artwork and crafts for people to admire while enjoying the spectacular view. Interested artists and crafters should contact Sara Hirst on sh@castlehilltrust.org.uk.”

Car parking is available at Mill Street and refreshments available on the gallery premises.