A NEW art gallery has opened in a Ryedale village.
T’auld Lass Gallery, based just off the Main Road in Hutton-le-hole, opened on August 8 and showcases work by artist Kathryn Harrison, from Glaisdale.
The 63-year-old said the gallery is fulfilling her childhood dream of having her own space.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and this was the first chance to do it,” she said.
“All the work is my own work.”
Kathryn’s work includes paintings using water colours and contemporary and abstract pieces using acrylic on canvas.
Alongside these are hand-painted silk scarves and ties, and also mugs, bags and coasters.
The reaction to the artwork so far has been positive.
“(It’s been) very good, completely taken me by surprise - and has done my confidence a world of good,” said Kathryn.
She added that the exhibition has attracted people from all over when they have been in the area on holiday – with two ladies coming all the way from Germany.
At the gallery, the public can also watch Kathryn working on new pieces.
“I sit and paint each day,” she said.
“Everyone likes to see how it is done.
“I even sold a painting an hour after it was finished!”
Kathryn applied for the space just after her dad passed away, almost two years ago.
“They rang me up now and I said yes,” she said.
“It is quite a brave step to do, but I have come to 63 and this is the best chance to do it so I hope it works.”
Kathryn chose the name of ‘T’auld Lass Gallery’, given that the phrase is how a Yorkshire farmer would traditionally have referred to their wife.
She said that, as a farmer’s widow, the name is a tribute to her late husband: “I think of myself now as an ‘auld lass.’
“Now I have got to 63, my husband would call me t-auld lass!”
Looking to the future of the art gallery Kathryn said: “This is mine now. I want to expand it.”
After teaching art for over 20 years in Saltburn and Whitby, Kathryn explained that she is keen to hold workshops at the gallery, and will start teaching water colour classes there in September.
Following this, she aims to build up to one-on-one and more in-depth, full-time workshops.
The T’auld Lass Gallery is part of a community of workshop units in Hutton-le-hole, which also includes The Chocolate Factory; Ruff Cuts Dog Grooming; Moorjocks and Daisies; Greenwood Crafts; and Panther Fitness.
“It is a a nice little space and they have made me very welcome,” said Kathryn.
More information about T'Auld Lass Gallery can be found on its Facebook page.
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