Six months ago, Julie Bond opened RT Gallery at 2 High Street, Merstham to showcase her own paintings as well as the work of other artists. The gallery doubles up as Julie's studio, and visitors will invariably catch Julie, paint pallette in hand, working on her latest commission.

Julie said: "Running an art gallery and being an artist are two different things which don't naturally cross over, but I love it!" Julie, is kept very busy, painting portraits of people and animals, which she says is a very big part of her business. Her biography and a number of her works are featured on the Saatchi Online Gallery.

Julie also runs a school of fine art at the gallery, holding classes after school and on Saturdays for artists of all ages and levels.

Julie said: "I try to hold an exhibition here about once a month for other up and coming artists to give them a platform. We have all types of art on show here, contemporary as well as historical so the gallery caters for quite a large market."

April will see an exhibition of the work of François Adjei whose work Julie describes as 'quite unusual'.

François, who is based in Surrey, paints using various media in a distinct, vibrant, African style. The exhibition is taking place from 28th April to 1st May with a special Preview Evening on the 26th April for invited guests only. Visitors are also welcome to view François's work when it is being hung in the gallery on the 26th April. Readers of The Caterham and District Independent are welcome to attend the Preview Evening and enjoy complimentary wine and nibbles whilst viewing the paintings as Julie's guests.

From May, Julie will be selling coffee in the gallery, so visitors can pop in to view the paintings and browse through the art magazines whilst enjoying a cup of coffee.

For more information about the gallery go to www.rtgallery. co.uk or call Julie on 07551 282872.