KENTMERE House Gallery owner Ann Petherick is mounting All Creatures..., an exhibition of animal paintings, as part of the fundraising effort for one of the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Barbara Boyce's chosen charities, Keep Your Pet.

Ann was among the founders of the York charity, and from November 22 to January 7, her gallery in Scarcroft Hill, York, will show more than 50 paintings and original prints by selected Yorkshire and nationally known artists, varying from small unframed works from £50 to oils at around £2,000.

York Press:

Stripey, by Helen Ridge

"Gallery favourites Tessa Newcomb, Susan Bower, Valerie Davide, Jack Hellewell, Helen Ridge and Elaine Turnbull are included, along with artists new to the gallery, Simon Lawrence, Minette Macdonald and Sally Freer," says Ann. "All Creatures...An Exhibition of Paintings of Animals and Birds will feature dogs, cats, horses, pigs, cows, grouse, pheasants...and a few fish!"

David Greenwood, who has produced a pastel portrait of Ann’s own dog, Caspar, is willing to accept commissions for dog and cat portraits, while Mick Kirkby Geddes, responsible for the eye-catching giraffe now in the gallery’s front garden, will contribute more of his scrap-metal sculptures. John Thornton, more usually known for his seascape paintings, has made exquisite carved wooden birds for the exhibition.

"A percentage of sales will be donated to the Lord Mayor's charities, and there'll be a selection of cards by gallery artists, with all proceeds to Keep Your Pet," says Ann, who will be running a raffle too.

York Press:

Mick Kirkby Geddes's Giraffe in the Kentmere House Gallery front garden, pictured from the roadside

A preview evening of All Creatures...will be held from 6pm to 9pm on November 22, when the Lord Mayor will perform the opening ceremony at 7pm. Tickets cost £6, including a glass of wine and nibbles, and again proceeds will de donated to the Lord Mayor's charities.

After the preview, admission throughout the exhibition run will be free. Kentmere House Gallery is open every Thursday evening, from 6pm to 9pm; every weekend in December and on January 6 and 7, from 11am to 5pm, and at any other time by telephoning in advance on 01904 656507.