BARROW Society of Artists’ much awaited spring exhibition is staged at Hawcoat Park Sports Club from March 29-31. New chairman Barbara Trescatheric and the society are excited about the switch of exhibition venue to the Hawcoat club, which has ample parking. As well as Barbara's artwork, there will be paintings and 3D work from more than 30 members, including Alan Collister, Irene Stewart-Rodgers, Terry Marshall and the Calverts plus newer members such as Andy Currie-Scarr and Kathryn Stevens, bringing fresh ideas to the exhibition. The exhibition is open Friday and Saturday, from noon-7pm; Sunday, noon-6pm.

ONE of the region’s leading artists has painted her way into the semi-finals of Sky Arts’ Portrait Artist of the Year competition. Catherine MacDiarmid will appear on Sky Arts on Tuesday, April 9 (8pm) competing against eight other artists in the semi-final of the TV show. The heats were filmed at the Wallace Collection Gallery in London; the semi-final location will be revealed on the night. Presented by Stephen Mangan and Joan Bakewell.

A NEW National Trust exhibition Telling Tales is running at the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead, which explores the enduring popularity of Beatrix’s characters and stories. Visitors can get up close to more than 30 original Beatrix Potter illustrations, displayed alongside rarely seen items from the collection, which Beatrix left to the National Trust on her death.