The Welsh Design and Illustration Show opened at Narberth’s Oriel Q gallery on Saturday, April 23, and runs until Saturday, June 4. Over 20 people responded to the call-out, including students and professionals.

The most well known illustrator is Jackie Morris, who has two superb original watercolours and a print from her book ‘Tell Me A Dragon’, which has been shortlisted for the Greenaway prize.

She is joined by Emma Levey, the author and illustrator of the beautiful children’s book, ‘Hattie Peck - The Journey Home’, and some of her original artworks and prints are on display.

A young student from Pembrokeshire College, Maia Arram, has created her first digital media story book - ‘The Frog’ - and there are other illustrations for books by students Michael Jones and Katie Williams and professionals such as Louise Sheppard and Jerry Hoare.

A well respected designer Suzanne Carpenter has a selection of her work on show, including wrapping paper, wallpaper, and cards. Her designs have been included in the ever-growing popular colouring books for adults and children, and the artist Lee Phillips, who is still working on the project of drawing every object from his grandfather’s shed (which has recently been on display in the Winding House museum in New Tredegar), has a fantastic collection of his drawing books as well as quirky images in pen and ink.

Diana Brook, head of art in Sir Thomas Picton School, has also displayed her sketch books of ‘a drawing a day’ and has encouraged her students to show their work, which is displayed on the stairs and of very high quality.

Surfboards designed and decorated by Patrick Boothman, surf wear and fabrics by Anna Strzelecki, screen printed cushions by Sally Thomas, designs by Laura Hickman, scraperboard and watercolour originals by Jerry Hoare, portraits by Gareth Strange and Tanya Griffiths, ceramics by Holly Gooding and paintings by Phil Morgan are part of this delightful and eclectic show.

The quirky posters by Maya Mitten, collaged and photographed, are also on show, and Maya will be holding a workshop in the gallery on Saturday, May 14, open to all ages (bookings through the gallery).

Finally, in Oriel Fach, there are three short digital animation films by the talented Tanya Griffiths.

A visit to this exhibition would easily entertain and inform you for a few hours, but is worth even a fleeting visit to appreciate the wide range of design and illustration currently being practised by some of these talented artists in Wales.

Open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10 am - 5 pm and other times by arrangement. Admission free! Groups are welcome and talks and tours can be arranged.

For further information telephone: 01834 869 454, email: [email protected] or visit the website: http://www.orielqueenshallgallery.org.uk