A COUNTY Durham museum is appealing for donations to help create a piece of art to accompany a new exhibition.

The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, will host From Temple to Home: Celebrating Ganesha, from May 21 until September 18.

To celebrate the opening of the vibrant show the museum is hoping to raise £2,000 towards the making of a traditional Hindu welcome and symbol of good luck - a two-and-a-half metre wide Rangoli pattern on the floor of the Museum’s reception hall.

The piece of Indian art will be made using pulses, beans and coloured rice, designed and created by artist Raj Rani.

As one of the rewards for making a pledge, donors can help Raj create the pattern on May 17 and 18.

Just £20 secures the chance to take part in learning the rituals and techniques involved in producing a Rangoli, and getting hands-on with the artist to create the vibrant Hindu welcome.

Rewards for donations range from £1, which earns the donor a thank you on social media, up to £100 to own an original oil painting of Raj Rani’s work.

Other items on offer include a stylish tote bag for a pledge of £15; a behind-the-scenes tour of the Ganesha exhibition with the curator, plus tea and cake from Café Bowes for £40, or a print of colourful butterflies by Raj Rani for £50.

The finished Rangoli will welcome visitors to The Bowes Museum from Thursday, May 19 until Sunday, May 22.

To donate visit: kickstarter.com/projects/296095267/rangoli-and-rituals-with-artist-raj-rani-at-the-bo