AN exhibition featuring the work of two Hartlepool artists opens at the town's art gallery today.

Stan Kaiser has been a member of Hartlepool Art Club for more than 20 years and is known for his work in watercolours and acrylics.

The 76-year-old, who has been a Hartlepool councillor for more than 38 years, is also active as a poet and will publish his third booklet of verse in January.

He said: "I like painting the sun, sea, water and the Headland and my family.

However, it is the first major exhibition for Lisa Wilkinson, a 34-year-old from Hartlepool.

A graduate of Cleveland College of Art and Design, she specialises in portraits.

Ms Wilkinson said: "Some of my work is self-portraits that reflecting the emotions of shyness and lack of self-confidence.

"The remainder of the work depicts the sense of isolation one can feel while sitting in a cafe or at a bus stop."

The free exhibition runs until Sunday, September 23.

Hartlepool Art Gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10am to 5.30pm, and Sundays, from 2pm to 5pm.