WHEN the Yorkshire Festival organisers put out a call for groups to stage events to mark the Tour De France coming to Yorkshire, Hornsea Art Society members were keen to participate, even though Le Grand Départ would not be passing through the East Riding.

From tomorrow's 4.30pm to 7.30pm preview, their artwork can be seen at York and District Indoor Bowls Club, in Thanet Road, Dringhouses, York, just off the Tadcaster Road and not far from the racecourse, from where the second day of the Tour sets off on July 6.

A bowls club may seem an unusual location for an art show, but organiser Phil Hargreaves is a keen bowler who has competed at York on many occasions.

"I thought the restaurant area would provide suitable hanging opportunities," he says. "In addition, café facilities are available each day, there's ample car parking on site, and we're very grateful that Ian Clough and the management team at the club have been extremely supportive and accommodating."

Phil will be among the artists on show in the Tour And Detour exhibition, along with Meg Burkill, Gillian Fitzpatrick, Claude Hargreaves, Ann Jackson, James Philip, Keith Robinson, Janet Stapleton, Janet Stott and Pam Williams. Exhibition opening hours will be 10am to 5pm daily from Saturday to July 6 and an artist will be in attendance each day.

"Most of the work has been produced specifically for this exhibition," says Phil. "The ten artists have chosen as their themes the sport of cycling, France and Yorkshire and the work is in a wide variety of media: oils, acrylics, watercolour, pastel and batik. Giclee prints are available, along with greetings cards, and all items are for sale."

Hornsea Art Society has a thriving membership of 70 artists and new members are always welcome. Information on membership can be found on the society's new website at hornseaartsociety.co.uk