A GROUP of women artists called Taking Space are exhibiting in North Cornwall for the first time.

North Cornwall and Beyond is the theme of the show at the light and elegant Rock Institute.

Paintings by Wadebridge members Joan Kinghorn and Helen Mahood show their love for the hidden valleys and sweeping bays along this stretch of Atlantic coastline.

Clare Hughes spent the summer exploring the coast further afield, creating some stunning seascapes including Secret Beach at St Agnes Cliffs pictured here.

Other exhibitors include the founder of the group Mary Fletcher, Karen Smith and Jo Beer, from Truro, and Suzy Johnson and Helen Hoyle, who are both mid Cornwall artists.

Taking Space is a group of artists which gives women living and working in Cornwall an opportunity to exhibit their work. Formed in St Ives in 1993, it comprises a diverse range of artists, and enables them to select their own work for exhibition.

More than a hundred artists have been involved with the group since its start. The group is best known for their annual spring exhibition at the Crypt, St Ives.

Taking Space is at the Rock Institute from Tuesday, October 16 – Sunday 21 from 11am-4pm. Admission is free.