'New Ground', an exhibition by printmaker Hester Cox and ceramicist Charlotte Morrison which opens on 20 November, rounds off the current programme of exhibitions at the North York Moors' Inspired by… gallery in what has been the best year in its seven year history.

Located within The Moors National Park Centre at Danby, the gallery was set up in 2007 to showcase the work of artists and makers who draw their inspiration from the landscape, life and colour of the North York Moors. This year saw 28 different artists, makers and groups exhibit at the gallery with artisan crafts, prints and photography from many more available to buy year-round in the gallery's shop.

Sally Ann Smith, Events and Exhibitions Coordinator for the North York Moors National Park Authority, said:

“This year has been a really exceptional one for the gallery. In terms of sales, we've had our best year ever – great news for our exhibiting artists and the National Park – and the number of repeat visitors has increased. Our 'Meet the Artist' preview events regularly see over one hundred people attending and new ventures such as standalone music events have been well received.

“The Inspired by… gallery was created as part of the redevelopment of The Moors National Park Centre, but now attracts many visitors in its own right. It's brought new audiences to the North York Moors and provides a wonderful platform for our local artists to raise awareness of their considerable talents.”

Hester Cox and Charlotte Morrison's new exhibition runs until 25 January and entry is free. There's a chance to meet the artists and find out more about their inspiration and techniques at a drop in event on 22 November between 12pm and 3pm.

Hester is a printmaker specialising in collagraph – a collage printmaking technique. Her prints often have a strong sense of narrative, reflecting her love of stories, poetry and folklore. She designs printing plates using card onto which she applies collage elements, textured paints, glues and gesso, often combining this with intricate cutting. The plates are sealed with varnish, and then inked and wiped by hand, before being passed through an etching press. Multiple plates are often used to create a richly coloured and textured limited-edition print. For Hester, the excitement of lifting the paper to reveal a brand new print has never diminished.

She first discovered the wild beauty of the National Park whilst fell-running along moorland tracks and trails. Her most recent work is a response to this experience and by documenting her journeys, using words and images, Hester has recorded in print some of the sites seen, wildlife glimpsed and stories revealed throughout a calendar year.

Charlotte works mainly with porcelain, and uses slab building and slip casting methods, before glazing and applying textures and patterns to her work by hand. These time-consuming methods mean that every single piece of Charlotte's work is unique. Much of her work is inspired by vintage design, incorporating the text, colours and patterns of 50's packaging into mugs, vases and clocks.  Her most recent ceramics are inspired by the ancient roads that cross the varied Yorkshire landscapes.

Next year will see the Inspired by… gallery host a major international print exhibition and activity programme in conjunction with Chrysalis Arts and part-funded by Arts Council England, plus an exhibition of new work by renowned Whitby watercolour artist John Freeman. The gallery will be one of the launch venues for the 2016 North York Moors Chamber Music Festival and its artist in residence Carole Tyler. It is also holding a range of music events, talks and workshops including a performance by Filey's highly acclaimed band, Morning Bride.

The Inspired by… gallery is at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby which is open daily from 10.30am to 4pm in November and December, weekends only in January. Information on forthcoming exhibitions can be found at www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/events.

ENDS

Media contact Tel: 01439 772700

Rachel McIntosh, Communications Officer, North York Moors National Park Authority r.mcintosh@northyorkmoors.org.uk