THE Willis Museum is currently hosting a heartwarming exhibition to showcase the natural beauty and heritage of Basingstoke and North Hampshire through the eyes of amateur photographers.

The exhibition, organised by the Arts Society Basingstoke, has captured the essence of the area through stunning smartphone photographs, creating a visual delight for visitors.

The 'Keeping it Local' exhibition features a collection of photographs taken with smartphones by members of the Arts Society Basingstoke.

These keen-eyed photographers set out to celebrate the beauty of thee local area throughout the changing seasons.

READ MORE: The history of the Willis Museum in Basingstoke

The result is a breathtaking portrait of the region that captures its unique charm and diversity.

Among the 102 entries received, twelve outstanding photographs have been selected to grace the pages of a 2024 calendar.

Visitors to the exhibition can now purchase this beautifully curated calendar from the Willis Museum shop, allowing them to cherish the captivating images all year round.

To encourage maximum participation and inclusion, the Arts Society Basingstoke decided to accept only smartphone photographs for the exhibition.

This decision allowed individuals of all skill levels to participate, contributing to the rich tapestry of Basingstoke's beauty.

At the opening event held on Friday, July 21, deputy mayor Dan Putty congratulated several members of the Arts Society Basingstoke whose work was chosen for the calendar.

In a special moment, Putty presented a framed picture of the winning photograph to Lesley Dixon, acknowledging her exceptional contribution to the exhibition.

The exhibition also includes artwork by young talents as well.

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Year 2 children from Winklebury Infant School, in collaboration with textile artist Vanessa Rolfe, produced a stunning display that captures their local heritage.

These young artists visited the Milestone Museum to draw inspiration from the past and create a unique collaborative artwork that adds a fresh perspective to the exhibition.

Moreover, the exhibition showcases the artistic endeavors of St Bede’s Catholic School students.

Their creation, a vibrant quilt, aims to raise awareness about the significance of recycling cloth and the looming dangers of global warming.

The Arts Society Basingstoke generously supported and funded this endeavor, encouraging young minds to take an active role in environmental conservation.

Art enthusiasts and those keen on supporting local talent have until August 17 to visit the Willis Museum and explore the exhibition.