Greg Winrow and Rebecca Jayne chosen as first pairing for new art venture at Pairings

Sisters Kelly and Kate Latham decided to mark their bar's third anniversary on October 22 by creating a new exhibition space, prompting more than 80 expressions of interest from artists and photographers from across Yorkshire.

"Pairings doesn’t charge for this as we're keen to offer established and new artists the opportunity to showcase their work in an informal setting," say the sisters. "The inspiring and uplifting first exhibition is going really well so far, with both artists’ work demonstrating the beauty of the man-made and natural environment that surrounds us."

York printmaker Greg Winrow

On show until January 7 next year are oil paintings, silk prints and lino designs, each for sale, and the work can be bought directly from the artists. Greg is exhibiting in the bar area, while Rebecca’s designs have taken over the artist corridor on the lower ground floor.

Greg trained in art and photography in York and became interested in printmaking after attending a workshop in Newcastle. He works from his studio at home in York and splits his time between linocut and silk screen printing.

"I tend to use the reduction technique for my lino work and I've lately been inspired by the architecture of York," he says. "It's a great privilege to be able to exhibit at Pairings, not only for the tremendous exposure this opportunity has given me but also to exhibit in a venue I regularly frequent."

Holgate Windmill by Greg Winrow

Rebecca, who gained a B Ed in fine art at Nottingham Trent University, lives with her family in Thirsk, where her inspiration comes from the beauty and healing elements of nature.

"I like to spend time outdoors observing the changes with the seasons, which motivate me to capture the uplifting energy of the natural world that is then transferred into my paintings," she says.

"I am so happy to be able to exhibit my oil paintings that capture the spirit of nature with a twist within Yorkshire at Pairings Wine Bar. It's a fabulous forward-thinking venue and backdrop that sets off the vibrant colours and style perfectly.”

An artwork by Rebecca Jayne featurded in Pairings' debut exhibition

Pairings is delighted with the response from artists keen to exhibit there. "We’ll be shortly celebrating three years in business and wanted to bring in regular art exhibitions to mark this momentous occasion," say Kelly and Kate. "We’ll be changing the space every three months so that a wide range of artists can exhibit their work here.

"We’re passionate about offering a space that everyone can enjoy, and by bringing art into the venue it offers that extra little special something to the space. Already we’re seeing guests coming into Pairings specifically to view the art, which we’re thrilled to see.”

Pairings Wine Bar is open to view the artworks on Sunday to Thursday, 12 noon to 11pm and on Fridays and Saturdays, 11am to midnight.

Any artists wanting to exhibit their work at Pairings in 2019 should email Ellen Cole at ellen@pairings.co.uk.