the Askrigg Group will say goodbye at the Grand Finale exhibition at the Dales Countryside Museum, in Hawes, Wensleydale, bringing to an end a 25-year artistic union.

This month's selection of paintings, pottery, prints and photographs comprises works by Wensleydale artists Andrew Hague, Emma Amsden, Piers Browne, founding members Judith Bromley and Robert Nicholls and guest artists Austin Ruddy and Carol Tyler.

Paintings by original members Janet Rawlins, Lynne Moore and the late Edward Rawlins and Brenda Rawnsley will be on show too in the museum's John Baker Gallery, plus two works by Judith Bromley's late father, John Bromley.

Of particular interest will be six, possibly seven, huge new etchings of Wensleydale scenes by Askrigg and York artist Piers Browne.

"I'm showing them almost as a swansong to etching, as I wish to concentrate on oil painting and finalising some children's books that I've been working hard at for many years," says Piers, left. "As part of the finale I'm giving myself a mini-retrospective of the etchings and drypoints I liked the best when reproduced in each of my five books."

The Askrigg Group has decided to disband after the 25th anniversary show, and although the artists will go their separate ways, they will more than likely meet within the newly-formed Arts In Richmondshire, based with its director Robin Battersby at Middleham Key Centre, near Leyburn.

"The standard of our soon-to-be-dispersed group is pretty high," says Piers. "Three people showing have works in the Royal Academy Summer Show this year, including myself; Andrew Hague is probably the best potter in the north; and Emma Amsden, the profoundly deaf photographer from Leyburn, is widely acclaimed."

The Grand Finale exhibition runs from August 16 to 27, 10am to 5pm, and admission is free. A charity preview evening will be held from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on August 15 in aid of the new Bainside Arts project at the Quaker House in Bainbridge, where short courses will be run on a wide range of arts-related themes.

Updated: 09:19 Friday, August 01, 2003