THE first ever Stow Art Week concludes this weekend but there is still time to visit the town's galleries and take the opportunity to meet some of the artists, view their work, wander into the galleries and talk to the gallery owners and share their wealth of experience.

The galleries have been mounting special one-man shows including one very interesting loan exhibition, as well as putting on workshops and giving short talks.

Simon Shore, owner of 1793, said: "Stow Art Week is a celebration of fine art and the galleries here in Stow.

"The initial concept of creating Stow Art Week is to create an atmosphere which inspires, educates, encourages and supports Stow as a recognized centre for the arts."

Themed events include a loan exhibition of John Nash paintings, an exhibition of Indian Mica pictures at Christopher Clarke antiques and a show of modern British art including works by Henry Moore, Laura Knight and Elizabeth Frink at 1793 Gallery.

The Red Rag Gallery is holding a solo exhibition entitled The White Wood featuring art works by surrealist artist Mark Edwards.

Peter Martin is one of Canada’s most respected photo-journalists and opened a studio-cum-gallery in Stow on the Wold in 2014. He is showing a series of short documentaries on well-known photographers and their careers.

Tales of the English Countryside is on display on at Sam Wilson Studio, while award-winning artist Lindy Allfrey was involved in all-day demonstration of portrait painting in her gallery in Sheep Street.

Square One at Stow has a strong focus on artists of the mid-20th century, while Artysan is staging a special exhibition of contemporary landscape painting.

The Fosse Gallery on the Square plays host to two exhibitions, firstly local Cotswold artist Annabel Playfair is showing her wonderfully colourful and animated landscapes followed by Richard Pikesley, Past President of The New English Art Club exhibiting paintings from some of his travels both south and north of the globe.

Clarendon Fine Art features a superb portfolio of artwork by many important and influential 20th century artists, including L.S. Lowry, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Henry Moore.

All the galleries will stay open this evening (Thursday)until 8pm. Drinks and canapés will be on hand and some of the gallery artists will be present to chat to.

The week-long exhibition ends on Sunday. For more information, go to stowartweek.com