The Ripon Art Festival exhibition at Ripon Cathedral opens with a preview on September 3 from 6.30pm to 9pm.

Yorkshire professional artists such as Stephen Lennon, George Munton, David Cook, Tim Slatter, Michael Bilton, Claire Titterington and Tom Wanless are taking part in a show that runs until September 26 in the cathedral nave.

Launched two years ago, this annual festival promotes the understanding and appreciation of contemporary art in Yorkshire.

Committee chairman John Lowry says: "Our flagship event is the Ripon Cathedral exhibition. This is an important social and cultural event in Yorkshire's calendar, which attracted more than 12,000 visitors last year, and this month the cathedral will be overflowing with the contemporary paintings of 28 Yorkshire artists.

"There was such a positive and encouraging response to the quality of the work shown last year, with visitors from as far a field as Canada and the United States. The support of the local art community has been terrific and we're expecting a good turnout at the preview."

A personalised art critic's check list form, suitable for children and adults alike, will enable exhibition viewers to challenge the reason why they like one painting more than another.

Run in conjunction with the Ripon International Music Festival, the exhibition is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm and admission is free. Proceeds from painting sales will go to the Ripon Cathedral Development Campaign.

Tickets for this evening's preview cost £10 from Wendy Orme on 01765 603534.

Updated: 16:07 Thursday, September 02, 2004