The inaugural Mells Art Show, held in the stables of the beautiful Mells Manor, promises to be a mix of the beautiful, the fun and the unusual, and all in a very good cause: to buy a heart defibrillator for Mells village – hence the theme of ‘Art for the Heart’.

Originally planned to show the work of a local artists’ group in Mells, the show now includes work from leading professional artists, illustrators and photographers from all over Somerset who have agreed to support the ‘Art for the Heart’ show by donating their work.

Works include gorgeous watercolours from leading Somerset artist, Lucy Willis, and pretty oils from well-known Mells artist, Heather O’Brien, plus work by leading Mells artist, Danney Markey. Other artists offering original work and high quality prints include Felicity Heavenor and Simon Greaves, plus many talented amateur artists. There will also be limited edition photographs of Mells by top professional photographer, Caroline True, as well as a rare opportunity to acquire original illustrations from Frank Muir’s much-loved What-a-Mess children’s book, illustrated by local artist, Joseph Wright.

Prices start at £30 with many under £100 with pieces by professional artists at prices well below their normal gallery rate. ‘Art for the Heart’ really has something for everyone – from first-time buyers to serious collectors with an eye for a bargain.

Organiser, Rob Shreeve, said: “We are very lucky to have so much work from these important local artists, but the skill and talent of these local amateur artists is really impressive.

Anyone looking for affordable art, or adding to their existing collection, could pick up something very good at the Mells Art Show. The village has a rich tradition of arts and culture and this exhibition is the first of, what we hope, will become an annual event. In 2016, the money raised will go towards a public access defibrillator.”

The event takes place at the Manor Stables, Mells, on Saturday, 12th and Sunday, 13th November.