Jewellery and art combine for Spotlight exhibition

An exhibition of hand-made jewellery complemented with paintings by two artists is on show in the Spotlight Gallery of Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery.

The Stones And Roses exhibition features work by Jenny Dalton, who makes necklaces from semi-precious stones including quartz, crystal and carnelian.

Jenny trained to be a teacher in the 1960s and specialised in art. She taught in primary schools for 40 years, working in Newark, Ollerton and Grantham.

She said her work in schools always included art.

"When I left I missed doing the creative work and so started making jewellery," she said.

Her necklaces are individually designed to show the beauty of the stones and are completed with a silver clasp.

Jenny, who has been making jewellery for about 16 years, has sold her work at Jane Young fashion boutique, Newark; Richard Thornton’s sculpture gallery, Harby; and Gallery 6, Newark.

One of her pieces was bought by Patty Temple, the curator of the Town Hall museum, who liked Jenny’s work so much she asked if she would like to exhibit in the gallery.

Jenny said she was pleased to have the opportunity and asked two artist friends — Nadia Ming and Deb Gilham — if they would feature some of their work.

Nadia, who has a BA (Hons) degree in fine art, has been an artist-in-residence in schools, colleges, prisons and community centres.

She was also involved in courses for Arts Education for a Multi-Cultural Society and has exhibited widely.

She has put three pieces in the exhibition featuring mixed medium, including collage, collagraphy, prints, drawing and painting.

"They were selected to complement Jenny’s jewellery," she said.

"My ‘stones’ have ancient and historical references."

The other paintings on show in the exhibition are by Deb Gilham, a former teacher, whose love of flowers and plants is reflected in her work.

She uses wild flowers from her garden as inspiration.

Deb uses mixed media and has previously exhibited in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire.

The exhibition continues until July 28. Entry is free. Opening times are Monday to Saturday, 10.30am to 3.30pm.