PYRAMID Gallery’s Christmas Collection exhibition opens today.

Terry Brett, owner of the gallery in Stonegate, York, says: “We always try to strike a balance between serious art and fun. I hope visitors will not only be impressed with the standard of work on display, but also amused by some of the exhibits.

“Jewellery is always one of our most significant niches, and this year’s 50 designer-makers have sent in some stunning work.”

Snainton artist David Baumforth has donated a watercolour entitled The Majesty Of York, Autumn Evening, to be awarded in a prize draw for the Stroke Association, for which the suggested donation for each ticket is £3. The painting has a retail value of £650 and all proceeds from the tickets will go direct to the charity.

Having recovered from a stroke himself, David has decided to use his artistic talents to benefit the association. This prize draw will be the first of two events, the other being an exhibition at his studio and gallery in Snainton.

He will be present at the preview evening from 6.30pm to 8.30pm tonight at Pyramid, where the draw will be made on Christmas Eve. Tickets are available from today, when David’s work goes on show alongside pieces for Christmas by London artist printmaker Anita Klein, jewellers Jane Macintosh and John Field, glass maker Graham Muir and sculptor Paul Smith.

Pyramid Gallery is open from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 4.30pm on Sundays; the Christmas Collection show will run into January 2012.