BUDDING artists and art-lovers have the opportunity to become art critics or dealers as the Flitch Gallery opens its doors for its first ever Attic Art event. It is the brainchild of two of the town s biggest art lovers, town crier Richard Harris and the

BUDDING artists and art-lovers have the opportunity to become art critics or dealers as the Flitch Gallery opens its doors for its first ever Attic Art event.

It is the brainchild of two of the town's biggest art lovers, town crier Richard Harris and the gallery curator Peter Hall.

Mr Hall said: "The idea of this event is to really get the community looking into attics and garages, in fact all the nook and crannies in their homes to find paintings and artwork, which they can bring into the gallery to put on show and sell."

If you do have any paintings which might be worth selling, drop them into the gallery any time between now and Christmas and Mr Hall will help you value them.

The Flitch Gallery can host more than 100 paintings and the organisers are hoping to fill it by the grand opening evening on January 7.

He said: "Every house has a picture hanging around that the owners don't know what to do with, maybe it is what someone else is really looking for."

The gallery has been running on a volunteer basis for seven years now surviving only on commission from sales.

Mr Hall said: "Prices here range from £50 to £3000. I will help with valuations, but essentially people can name their own price."

Every month sees a new exhibition at the gallery and Mr Hall announced that the gallery is fully booked up for 2008.

Drop in to the gallery on the High Street with your paintings or you can telephone Mr Hall on 01371 856682.