A GROUP of artists known as The Hive, are coming from Chelmsford to exhibit in Leigh for the first time.

The Hive In Leigh will showcase a variety of contemporary artwork by 11 of The Hive artists at the Miss Annabel Dee gallery from Friday May 20 until Friday May 28.

The exhibition has been curated by Hive artist Kymberly O’Carroll-Fitzpatrick and gallery owner and local ceramicist Annabel Johnson.

It intends to " reflect the diversity of work that is currently being created within the studio".

"The Hive is a fantastic blend of professional fine artists, illustrators, commercial artists and designers all producing work that is as individual and unique as themselves. I hope visitors to the exhibition will be very surprised and excited by what they see” said Annabel Johnson, own of the Miss Annabel Dee gallery.

The Hive Artist Studios opened in Chelmsford in 2010 by founding artist/illustrator Karen Jones.

Karen explained: “Each Hive Artist has been selected for their talent, originality, the standard of their artwork and the desire to forward their artistic practice. We are delighted to show our work in Leigh, and hope it leads to new ventures”.

The exhibition will feature paintings, printmaking, sculpture, illustration, jewellery and designer pieces, including Karen Jones’ paper sculptures, Tracy Vine’s holographic style photographs, Amy Mountney’s Scarlet & Fern bespoke lampshades, Kymberly O’Carroll - Fitzpatrick’s Fitzygogo! designs and Hazel Jenning’s newly launched brand Badger and Birch.

Other Hive members include Kitty Guthrie Oakley, Jill Tushingham, Tracy Vine, Janie Townshend, Deborah Lobley, Ralph Overill and Cherry Ann Hall.