FOLLOWING the huge success of previous Art in the Barn events over the last few years, a group of 15 local artists again joined forces to produce an exhibition of original works including painting, drawing, pottery, sculpture and bronzes to help raise funds for St Michael’s Hospice.

The exhibition was held in a beautiful old barn at Strickstenning Hall, Much Birch courtesy of Mr and Mrs Peter Kett.

This was the third Art in the Barn event to be held in aid of St Michael’s Hospice and this time raised almost £2,500.

The exhibition opened on June 23 with a special preview evening from 6pm to 9.30pm with wine and canapés.

Thereafter the exhibition was open through until the evening of June 26.

Artists exhibiting included Nick Helme, Penny Chantler, Doug Eaton, Tim Shawcross, Viv Luxton, Maggi Denaro, Margie James, Dido Windham, Anthea Stillwell, Julienne Braham, Helen Arthur, Neffy Hensher, Bronte Woodruff, Jemima Carter-Lewis and Cara Campbell.

From the first day it opened, St Michael’s made a commitment to provide quality care for patients who have progressive, life limiting conditions and to offer support to their carers and families during the patient’s illness and in their bereavement. This commitment still stands despite the ever increasing costs of providing such a service.

It will cost £4 million to provide St Michael’s services in 2011-2012, with only 10 per cent of this being government funded. The rest is raised through the generosity of supporters and the support of events such as Art in the Barn help to ensure the Hospice is there for those that need it in the future years to come.