From February 16 until Jun 2 there will be an exhibition of “Linescapes” by Ian Mitchell.

These bold digital prints are inspired by views and photographs of the British countryside. Ian has developed his own style and uses a particular pallet of colours to make the flat, block colours and lines represent his chosen scenes in a unique and distinctive way.

From February 16 until June 1 the gallery will be displaying Views of Harrogate

This is a captivating journey through the local archives displaying works that will be fascinating to anyone local, or with an interest in the town. It includes plans for buildings that were never built, drawings of buildings that are no longer here and many memories of historic and social value.

Including iconic Harrogate scenes, such as Doris Zinkeisen's contemporary society portrait of the Valley Gardens in its early twentieth century heyday, to rare collectibles like The Beatles at the Royal Hall poster and a rare Eurovision Song Contest programme – this exhibition will have something for everyone. The gallery will also be encouraging your involvement - through word, image and social media - and the sharing of views of the exhibition.

From June 15 until September 29 we are looking forward to a special visiting exhibition of works by William Powell Frith (1819-1909): The People's Painter.

This exhibition to mark the bicentenary of the birth of William Powell Frith is expected to be very popular. Frith was born in Aldfield and raised in High Harrogate and became one of the most popular painters of his time through his depictions of contemporary life of every level of society.

This exhibition explains how Frith created his paintings from the preparatory drawings and oil sketches to the way he employed his models and ran his studio.

At the height of his popularity Frith's paintings became so sought after that the Royal Academy, exceptionally, had to install a rail to protect them from the public wanting to view them, and on one occasion a policeman was called to control the crowds.

These paintings have been sourced for the exhibition from a number of major British public collections (including the Mercer’s own collection) and also loaned from private collections. Some of works are believed to have never been on display in public before.

The exhibition will include daily tours at 11:30 and 2:30 to give visitors more background on this fascinating artist.

Don’t forget that the Mercer Art Gallery shop is always a great place to pop into for unique books, cards, jewellery and contemporary art for yourself or to buy as gifts.

Entry is free and the gallery is open from 10am to 4pm.