ONE of the most original and unusual art exhibitions to be held in the region opens to the public at the Tavistock Art Gallery tomorrow (June 17).

The exhibition, running for three weeks, will feature the latest collection of encaustic wax paintings from south-west based artist Nicky Carole.

The collection is an eclectic mix of different colours and styles which show the artist's passion and talent in this niche art form. There are few artists that produce work in encaustic art and Nicky's exhibition is believed to be the first of its kind in the area.

Richard Varley, the Tavistock Art Gallery proprietor, said: 'We are truly delighted to be staging Nicky Carole's exhibition. It's very exciting as her work is so different to anything we have been involved with before. Fantastic colours, different style and techniques all come together as one very special collection.'

Encaustic art is a method of painting using pigments melted with wax and fixed or fused to the painting surface by heat.

Nicky's latest works use these techniques to create a variety of results from thought provoking relaxing pictures to strong and vibrant panels. Each of Nicky's pieces are signed by the artist, using a special wax seal.