GWENT’S only independent art gallery is staging a new exhibition featuring work by top artists.

Barnabas Arts House, New Ruperra Street, Newport, is hosting work by artists including David Bellamy and Jamie Routley, as part of an exhibition called Welsh Country Views.

The three-week show by the Campaign for Protection of Rural Wales is the third annual landscape art exhibition and will run until October 11.

Barnabas Arts House owner Janet Martin said: “This is the third annual exhibition staged by the CPRW, who hire the gallery, and it is growing in popularity and in the calibre of the artists whose work is displayed.

“David Bellamy is the author of numerous books on watercolour painting and the astounding exhibitor Jamie Routley’s work is in the National Portrait gallery. He started off as a work experience boy with me 15 years ago and has been gracious enough to produce a small landscape which is extremely investable. There is a range of styles and ages of artists, with ages from 20-80.

“It is an unusual choice of venue because the exhibition is all about the protection of rural areas when there is nothing rural about it. But I think it is doing a lot for their cause and Newport’s cause by bringing the two worlds together for the exhibition.”

The exhibition is open Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am- 4.30pm, and Saturday 9.30am-1pm. www.barnabasartshouse.co.uk