IN the build-up to Christmas and the New Year there’s the chance to support your local artists and craft makers at a special exhibition in Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum.

Called Crafted for You, it is running at the Foregate Street venue until Saturday, January 5 and features jewellery, glassware, ceramics and other handmade craftsmanship.

Exhibition curator Maggie Wallace said: “Worcestershire has a proud history as a centre for decorative making skills and this tradition continues today and is celebrated in this exhibition. Each piece has been made by a talented maker and hand-picked for this top-quality exhibition.

“Crafted for You is perfect for that unique Christmas gift for someone special or hard to buy for, or even as a treat for yourself.

"All items are for sale and make perfect presents with a local provenance. Purchasing from the exhibition supports both the museum and local artists. This is a celebration of craft with so many different makers on show, all so talented and producing beautiful wares.”

Throughout December visitors will also have the opportunity to join the members of Worcester Society of Artists for a series of demonstrations alongside the Society’s 71st annual exhibition.

The Society has exhibited every year at the City Art Gallery.

There will be a Christmas event at the Gallery from 11am until 1pm on Saturday, December 1 when visitors can enjoy a festive drink and mince pie with a bonus of ten per cent off purchases all day in the Crafted for You exhibition and Society of Artists exhibition, as well as purchases from the Art Gallery and Museum shop. Every penny spent in the shop goes back into supporting the work of the gallery and museum.

On Friday, December 14, from 5.30pm to 8pm, a festive Museum after Hours event will provide good seasonal fun with live music from Men in Harmony and the Museum’s very own Snow Queen Cocktail. On Saturday, December 22 there is a Family Christmas Crafts session from 11am to 3pm with the chance to make your own sparkly Christmas wreath, print, paint and pattern.