The Lindisfarne Gospels are the inspiration behind an exciting new art exhibition.

From Cave to Cathedral is part of a series of artistic events to celebrate the historic link between three Wearside churches and the Lindisfarne Gospels.

The art works have been created by nine artists and include paintings, pottery and sculptures.

Artist Jac Howard created a piece out of driftwood collected from the beach at Seaham.

"When art is exhibited in a white space, it can be a very restrictive audience that comes to see it, so it's wonderful to take it out to the public, and the church-going public, to see it exhibited in a space that inspired the making of the work itself," she said.

Members of the public had the chance to meet the artists this week at St Michaels and All Angels Church, in Houghton le Spring.

The two other churches involved in the exhibitions are St Andrew's Church, in Sunderland, and Sunderland Minster.

The Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, the Dean of Durham, said the Lindisfarne Gospels were an example of art and the Gospel message coming together.

He is excited about the exhibitions: "It's a wonderful example of how churches can be hospitable to art of all kinds.

"We want to encourage it more because, although art is wonderful in galleries and museums, when art comes into a church we begin to see it differently in a way which is enriched by the spirituality of the place."

Exhibition curator said Phil Barker said: "It's about getting art away from the white wall gallery which is traditional and putting it in more unusual venues."

The full programme is:
St Michaels and All Angels Church, Church Street, Houghton Le Spring
During June - "From Cave to Cathedral"
During July - "The Creative Mind"
During August - "Gospel Stories"
1100 – 1300 daily

St Andrew's Church, Talbot Road, Roker, Sunderland.
During June - "The Creative Mind"
During July - "Gospel Stories"
During August - "From Cave to Cathedral"
0900 – 1300 Mon – Friday
Friday July 5th, 6.30pm: Arts and Crafts:　 explore this fine period church and meet the artists who have been inspired by 'Gospel Stories' today.

Sunderland Minster, High Street West, Sunderland
During June - "Gospel Stories"
During July - "From Cave to Cathedral"
During August - "The Creative Mind"
0900 – 15.00 daily

Monday August 5th, 6.30pm:　 'Celebrating Creativity' – music, bells, art, performance - meet the artists and engage creatively with the Minster space.