DALSTON-raised artist Michael Batey will host a new exhibition in the village next month.

Michael is very excited about his latest exhibition “Homelands” which brings him back home.

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This new collection of paintings is inspired by his love for the Cumbrian fells, paths and becks and seeks to connect the viewer to the landscape.

Michael has many happy childhood memories visiting his grandparents at their farm near Caldbeck.

He attended Caldew School where his art teacher Mr Moir identified his natural talent and tried to encourage him to go to art school.

Michael on the other hand decided to pursue a career outdoors as a gamekeeper on the Netherby Estate and later over the border in Dumfries and Galloway.

In 2006 his love for art was rekindled and he specialised in painting atmospheric landscapes very much influenced by his time working outdoors.  This led on to many successful sell out exhibitions.

The exhibition will be held at Cowens Ltd, Eller’s Mill in Dalston on Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15 from 10am to 4pm.

He is delighted to be supporting Hospice at Home which provides quality palliative care in Carlisle and the North Lakeland area.

Elizabeth Leeming, president of Hospice at Home Carlisle and the North Lakeland said: “We are so grateful to Michael for supporting this greatly needed service in this our 25th Anniversary year. I, like many can’t wait to see his new work.”

Michael has thanked Jonathan Coulthard of Cowens Ltd for kindly providing the exhibition space and to Mark Aston of AST for providing sponsorship and signage.

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