THE Gallery Yr Oriel Newport is putting on seven days of art events, book launches, cultural evenings, and Welsh cuisine as part of this year's Welsh Art Week, running from March 1-8.

"There is already a lot of excitement around Welsh Art Week this year in Newport, and the events on offer are drumming up a lot of local interest," said gallery owner Helen Manley-Jones.

"Many businesses in Newport are getting involved during the week's events and Welsh cuisine will be on the menu after all the events at different cafes and restaurant around the town."

The opening event is on Thursday, March 1 at 6pm, with the launch of Angela V.John's new book, Rocking the Boat: Welsh Women who Championed Equality 1840-1990, and artwork by Christine Kinsey as well as new art.

On Friday, March 2, at 6pm the evening event will include Welsh harpist Marian O'Toole, with new work by Graham Hurd-Wood, Chris Sharples, Alice Tennant, and Gillian McDonald, and selected work by established artists such as Denis Curry, David Humphreys and John Knapp-Fisher.

On Saturday, March 3, there is a spotlight on two emerging local artists; Lizzy Stonhold and Michaela Hollyfield, at 2.30pm.

On Sunday, March 4, at 4pm in Llys Meddyg Hotel, well-known art historian Peter Lord will be giving a talk and slide show about his new book A New History of Welsh Art, booking is required for this as spaces are limited. There will also be artistic focus on the artist Peter Daniels and ceramicist Adam Buick.

The final event, held on Thursday, March 8, at 6pm in the gallery, will be the north Pembrokeshire book launch for Cardigan author David Lloyd Owen, A Wilder Wales, Travellers' Tales from 1610 – 1831.

The exhibition will continue daily during the week from 10am – 5pm, featuring both established and emerging artists including sculptors, ceramicists and jewellers. Most of the works exhibited are contemporary original pieces, carefully selected to showcase Welsh talent.

For more information see http://thegallery-yroriel.com.