SEE what goes on behind the scenes at two of Lyme Regis’s most creative establishments with two insightful exhibitions.

From tomorrow (28) until October 10, visitors to the Town Mill Galleries in Lyme Regis can see Making a Mark and The Faces of the Boat Building Academy.

At the Malthouse, Making a Mark will showcase works by the Town Mill Studio Artists, a group formed in September 2017 by local artists who had been painting together for three years under the guidance of mentor Phil Clayton.

The artists—Jules Critchinson, Hilary Highet, Rachel Hudson, Elizabeth Richie, Kathie Scott, Sue Swiecicka, Sue Warren and Libby Washington—wanted to continue working together in a creative environment with the encouragement and support of each other and their mentor. Their aim with this show is to reveal how each of them has approached the creative process and developed their own style and expression using mark making, research and experimentation.

Over at the Courtyard Gallery, a collaboration between local artist Maria Barbashina and the Boat Building Academy will offer a similar celebration of creative development. Over the last few months, Lyme-based painter Maria has produced portraits of instructors and staff of the Academy. Gracing the walls of the gallery will be her portraits of everyone from director Tim Gedge to housekeeper Wendy Sartin. All members of the BBA staff are key elements in the experience of studying at the academy and their portraits will keep a watchful eye over the student work.

The rest of the gallery will be filled with student work, fascinating examples of different boatbuilding and woodworking course projects, each a testament to the hard work, skill and dedication to the craft of each student. Pieces on display will include a 16’ 6” Mill Creek plywood stitch and glue kayak made by Chris Silverwood during the 40-week boatbuilding course, as well as a deck chair by Jon Ashfield, a ukulele by Corinne Reed, a steamer trunk drinks cabinet by Andy Staines and chairs by Alan Boyles and Mariela Reyes, all from the 12-week Fine Woodworking course.

Making a Mark, Malthouse Gallery, Town Mill, Lyme Regis and The Faces of the Boat Building Academy, Courtyard Gallery, Town Mill, Lyme Regis, will be open daily from 10.30am to 4.30pm September 28 to October 10, admission is free, and for further information about Town Mill Arts, visit www.townmillarts.co.uk and for the Boat Building Academy, please go to boatbuildingacademy.com or contact office@boatbuildingacademy.com