Local galleries and the art of (re-)discovering your local area

Last Friday I was lucky enough to be invited to the opening of a new exhibition at Scarborough's South Street Gallery (www.southstreetgallery.co.uk). South Specific presents images from a number of regional artists, all of whom have been inspired by the coastline, moors and wolds of this part of North Yorkshire. Andrew Cheetham's inspired seascapes and David Chalmers' black and white photographs of Scarborough's spa buildings and sea defences highlight the appeal of the coastline even in the dark and stormy days of winter. And a trip to the gallery itself offers the perfect little trip out, particularly if combined with afternoon tea in the quirky Francis' tea rooms immediately opposite. Supporting local businesses such as these are at the heart of responsible tourism, so next time you are wondering what to do on a snowy afternoon, take a trip down a sidestreet in your home town. You may be surprised at what you find!