What better excuse to schedule a trip to the beauty spot of Lower Slaughter in the Cotswolds than to check out some first-class art?

Seven Junction 12 Art Group members are excited to be bringing you a collection of their work - at last.

Despite all the Gloucestershire collective's shows going on hold in lockdown, the creating has continued throughout these difficult times, which means it now has a bumper crop of work for art lovers to enjoy.

Members will be celebrating the return of exhibitions in style at Lower Slaughter Village Hall from Wednesday, July 7, to Tuesday, July 13.

The J12 artists featuring will be Ann Hunt, Arleta Smolko, Beverley Perry, Gerald Crittle, Natalie Bowden, Tamsin Stuart and Wendy Golding. All are very different, in style, media and subject, but all are connected by their love of creating.

Junction 12 Art Group is a small and exciting collective of professional creatives with a passion for art and sharing their work.

The group originally started in 2018 at an art supply shop near Junction 12 of the M5, meeting regularly to chat about all things art.

The Lower Slaughter exhibition will include original paintings, prints, abstracts, drawings and painted glass, along with a selection of cards and merchandise, as well as the chance to chat to artists.

This will be Junction 12's first group show of 2021 with plenty more to come.

Tamsin Stuart said: "We are a friendly bunch of artists who are keen to make art accessible, affordable and as approachable as possible.

"Lockdown has highlighted for many how looking after your mental health should never be underrated. And we believe art, however you engage with it, can be highly effective when it comes to your sense of wellbeing.

"At last we have the chance to show you what we can do and we can't wait to share our latest creations. There will be plenty to feast your eyes on in a Covid-compliant space. This will be an art fix not to be missed in one of the most picturesque settings our county has to offer."

The exhibition will be open daily from July 7-13 from 10am to 5.30pm. Don't forget your face mask!

And if you can't make this one, J12 will also be at Cheltenham's Gardens Gallery from July 28-August 3.

To find out more about the artists or the group, visit www.junction12art.group