ART enthusiasts have a rare opportunity to meet three of the area's artists when they stage a spring exhibition.

Louise Darby, of Redhill, Rachel Higgins, from Long Marston, and Mary Holmes, of Shottery, will be showcasing the beauty of nature in ceramics, sculptures and watercolours at Clay Barn, Redhill, near Stratford.

Louise said: "It's a bit of a one off. We don't exhibit much in this area and I feel privileged that these two are coming to exhibit with me. They are artists whose work I like and which harmonises with my own."

The three all draw their inspiration from love of the land, plants and animals, but offer refreshing variety through their use of different materials. Louise said: "I feel that there is a wide enough range of work to interest everybody and it's a chance to buy an original and beautiful piece of art."

The exhibition runs from tomorrow (Friday) to next Monday and weekend visitors will have the chance to meet with all three of the artists to discuss their works or opinions of art.

Louise Darby has been a professional potter for more than 20 years, since graduating from Loughborough College of Art and Design. Louise has gained a reputation for finely thrown stoneware and porcelain incorporating stylised images of animals and plants.

Rachel Higgins set up her business on the family farm in Long Marston and creates sculptures of birds, animals and even fish, using wire, mesh and sheet metal.

Mary Holmes works from her home and will be exhibiting watercolours of large landscapes, still life and plant studies.

She has been teaching watercolour and oil painting at Stratford College for a number of years and the exhibition will provide budding artists with a chance to ask for some tips. The exhibition will be open from 10am until 5pm on each of the four days and refreshments will be available. Entry is free.