AN artist and tutor whose work has recently featured in the capital has urged people to support local art talent at an exhibition which opens this weekend.

Andy Currie-Scarr, who teaches A-Level and art foundation courses at Barrow Sixth Form College, is encouraging people to support Ulverston Society of Artists’ Spring Exhibition, which opens on Saturday at the Coronation Hall with demonstrations.

Mr Currie-Scarr is the chairman of the Ulverston society and this month he also represented the Association of Animal Artists at a prestigious art exhibition held by the Fine Art Trade Guild in London and Stratford. His oil pastel artwork included a French bulldog called Alfie, a macaw and Mexican red crowned parrot.

The 32-year-old, of Barrow, will demonstrate his oil pastel animal drawing skills to members of the public on the opening day of the Ulverston exhibition, on Saturday from 1pm to 3pm.

Mr Currie-Scarr said: “I am proud to be one of five out of 150 members to represent the Association of Animal Artists and it shows that even as a self-taught artist, with ambition and determination anyone can succeed. It was always my ambition to exhibit my work in a London gallery.

“There is so much artistic talent in this area and we hope as many people as possible come along to the exhibition in Ulverston, meet the artists and get inspired.”

The artist, who has a BA honours degree in animation and a PGCE, has two further years as chairman of the society and hopes to recruit more members to the group, which started more than 50 years ago.

The exhibition runs until Wednesday June 14 in the ante-room at the Coronation Hall, in Ulverston, and is accessible at different times. Opening times are available from the Coronation Hall on 01229 588994.