A MAJOR exhibition opens next month within the North York Moors National Park to mark the 10th anniversary of its art gallery at Danby.

The Past and Present Exhibition brings together an extensive body of work, much of it specially created for the exhibition, from many artists who have been involved with the Inspired By… gallery at The Moors National Park Centre during the last decade.

The exhibition, from February 12 until March 13, will also showcase the work of artists who will be represented in future exhibitions at Danby.

The gallery, which is free to enter, has hosted around 100 exhibitions since it first opened in 2007; each year providing a valuable platform for up to 100 emerging, local and nationally-acclaimed artists whose work has been inspired by the diverse landscape of the North York Moors.

It now attracts around 103,000 visitors annually, and its success led to the National Park extending the exhibition space and, through the formation of a volunteer group eight years’ ago, more artists and exhibitions are now being supported every year.

The moorland, coastline and dales together with the heritage of the moors have provided a rich seam of inspiration for artists over the years using a wide range of media – from textiles and ceramics through to photography to paintings.

That will be reflected in the display of work by 21 artists during the milestone exhibition.

Through a collaboration with the Zillah Bell Gallery in Thirsk, new paintings by renowned artist Norman Ackroyd will also be on display.