The Lizard Art Co-operative will be opening the doors on its Spring Art Fair this weekend when artwork in varying styles will be showcased by members and guest artists.

As well as the 15 members of the cooperative, Sally Cole, Andrew Barrowman, Pam Blackburn, Heather Burns, Sue Davis, Dick Dobson, Martin Grimshaw, Rebecca Jewell, Simon Jewell, Janet Judge, Dee May, Victoria Smith, Mary Taylor, Sarah Trewella and Peter Trotman, the art fair will include entries from other artists throughout Cornwall. Applications were received from 86 artists and from these, 39 of these have been selected to show their work

Lizard Art is a co-operative of artists who mostly live and work on the Lizard Peninsula. Its members work in a wide spectrum of styles, and media, but all have in common the fact that they draw their inspiration from this wild and rugged landscape with its huge range of light and colour.

The group was formed in 1995 and was originally called The Peninsula Fine Art Society. An inaugural meeting was held at Cadgwith Cove Inn and the group continued to meet regularly there once a month for several years. By the end of the first year the membership had grown and their first exhibition was held at the Old Chapel, Ruan Minor that year.

The group went on to have exhibitions at Trelowarren House and Trebah Gardens among other venues. In 2002 the group’s name was changed to Lizard Art and moved to permanent premises on the Trelowarren Estate. This has given the members, both established artists as well as up and coming artists, a light and airy space to exhibit their work, and a chance to exhibit experimental work alongside the style of work they are well known for.

The aim of the group was to provide a forum for lively discussions between artists who mostly worked in isolation. To exchange information on techniques and to discuss developments within the Cornish art world, as well as worldwide issues.

The aims and objective of the co-operative have remained the same over the years, with monthly meetings for discussion, and decision making. Over the years the gallery has become well known for an eclectic mix of work.

The Spring Art Fair exhibition at the Stableyard Gallery on the Trelowarren Estate, has a private view this Sunday, March 5, and will then be open to the public from 11am to 4pm, until March 26.