CHRISTCHURCH and District Arts (CADArts) have announced that the Hayloft Art Gallery is to reopen on Friday April 16 following the relaxation of the Covid-19 lockdown rules.

A full programme of exciting exhibitions is planned throughout the year with various artists working in mixed media, textiles, designer jewellery, wood, pottery and traditional and abstract paintings.

The first exhibition to take place at the gallery on Wick Lane will be Christchurch artist Alan Hayden, who will be demonstrating his work every day from 10.30am.

A spokesman from Christchurch and District Arts said: “Alan has always lived in the Christchurch area, and the surrounding countryside provides the main focus for his work.

“He uses a variety of mediums including Oil, Watercolour and Acrylic and his paintings have been displayed locally for many years.

“Alongside his passion for painting runs a deep interest in wildlife, particularly in the birds found in the local area. Originally his work reflected this, containing many illustrations and paintings of the wildlife he studied.”

This latest exhibition includes many fresh original paintings produced during lockdown and many prints of old favourites will be available.

The gallery, formerly a traditional Hayloft dating believed to date from the 1700’s, is situated on the corner of Wick Lane and Silver Street, opposite the entrance to the Town Centre Car Park.

It is run by CADArts, a voluntary organisation and registered charity supporting local artists in Christchurch and the surrounding area.

Normal opening hours are from 10am until 4pm seven days a week but are subject to change.

To learn more, and find a list of future exhibitions, visit www.cadarts.co.uk.