In May the exhibition in the Bowlees Visitor Centre Gallery is a selection of work by members of the Barnard Castle & Teesdale Art Society. The Art Society Summer Exhibition features recent work by about 12 members of the society. Some of the artwork and small cards are for sale.

Barnard Castle & Teesdale Art Society is a group of enthusiastic amateur artists with varying levels of experience, meeting on Monday afternoons throughout the year. The group aims to encourage its members in creating art in various mediums, especially painting and drawing, with tutored sessions about once a month and mutual assistance at other times.

The society meets at Barnard Castle Guide HQ during school terms and for outdoor sketching in various venues (predominantly in Teesdale) in July & August.