The village of Croesor, between Porthmadog and Beddgelert, has downsized considerably since the boom times of Victorian slate mining.

In the 1960s it lost its post office and shop, and recently the school was closed. Today it is home to just 30 residents and the centre for outlying farms, but life goes on in more ways than one.

An old farm near the centre of the village came up for sale a few years ago and, rather than let it go as holiday homes, the community bought and refurbished it with the help of grants and much fund-raising, including the charity Siop Mela in Penrhyndeudraeth.

Stage one saw the creation of a café which is run by volunteers and where you can enjoy all sorts of coffees and cakes in great surroundings. The restoration work was so good it won a Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales award.

Stage two has just been completed and a well-appointed gallery has been created adjoining the café. This is used every Thursday by the local art group who meet for life drawing sessions - not bowls of fruit as in 'still life', but the human body through observation of live models.

The first exhibition opens this Easter weekend with over 30 artists from across north Wales displaying their works of art. Future exhibitions will include a mix of visiting and local artists.

Tudur Owen, chairperson of Cyfeillion Croesor, said "I'm very pleased with the positive response Oriel Caffi Croesor has received from artists and visitors alike and the team of volunteers is working very hard to ensure the success of this new showcase for our artistic talent.

"The café is already popular with walkers all year round, but the art exhibitions will add another dimension to the visitor experience. The whole point of the enterprise is to not only help to promote art and local artists, but also to attract more people into the area to benefit the local economy."

In addition a wedding licence has recently been obtained, with two weddings already booked. Future plans include the creation of a bunkhouse for walkers - will it have a honeymoon suite as well?

The Spring Art Show - Selected Artworks from North Wales opens on Good Friday (10 April) in the main and upstairs galleries. Admission is free. Opening times: Easter weekend including Easter Monday then Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 12.30 - 5pm till 22 May.

Phone 01766 770456 or email cyf.croesor@btinternet.com for information. Huw Jenkins