As galleries and artists around the county opened their doors to the public for nine art-filled days, one new participant in the annual feast of all things artistic, Ralph Court Gardens, welcomed not one mayor, but two, to its launch event.

Councillors Kath Hey, Mayor of Hereford, and Roger Page, Mayor of Bromyard, joined staff at the opening last Friday.

This is the first year that the top Herefordshire tourist attraction has mounted an exhibition during h.Art week, and they are showing the work of a dozen artists, many new to h.Art this year, in the new exhibition marquee. Artists include watercolourist Ian Gibson; painter Kate Wrigglesworth; steampunk sculptor Heather Sweet-Moon; ceramicist Rupert Brakspear; animal inspired work by Wendy Britton; knitwear artist Alison Dupernex; artist Terry Foxton; wildlife inspired homeware by Kate Moby; landscape artist Valerie Turner; textile artist Nicola Haigh, and Wendy Stafford, who works in glass.