A NEW exhibition of children’s illustrations has gone on display in a Darlington library as part of an event to encourage children to take up art.

The Creating Colourful Characters exhibition by artist Stephen Waterhouse, who is best-known for his work on children’s books, includes a number of examples of his work such as paintings, acrylics, digital art and pencil sketches.

The work went on display today (Saturday, October 20) at gallery within Crown Street Library, in Darlington.

The library will also host a series of free art workshops during October half term as part of The Big Draw scheme.

The sessions are aimed at four to 11-year-olds and will take place on Monday and Tuesday, October 29 and 30, from 10am to noon and 2pm-4pm.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for the arts, said: “The event is a wonderful opportunity for families to get involved in arts and culture in the borough.

“Darlington is a place where arts are thriving at the moment and hopefully we can use this momentum in helping to inspire the next generation of young artists in the region.”

For more information on The Big Draw call the gallery on 01325-462034.