The Beach Hut Gallery, on Kents Bank railway station, is an artists’ co-operative that is staffed entirely by volunteers.
Dr Paul Salveson, manager of the gallery and adjoining station library/bookshop, said: “Many people describe the gallery as a ‘hidden gem’ but we’d like to make it a bit less hidden.
“We need to generate more footfall and sales as well as build a core group of supporters who can help either as donors or volunteers.
“It couldn’t be easier to get to, with regular trains from Manchester, Preston, Lancaster and Barrow.”
The ‘Friends’ initiative was launched on August 14 at a viewing of the work of featured artist Ben McLeod.
Mr McLeod, based at Halecat, said: “It’s great to be exhibiting at The Beach Hut Gallery, overlooking what was the original inspiration for my landscape painting.”
The theme of the exhibition is ‘Sea and Sand’ with landscape paintings from the Kent Estuary to Iona; it runs until late October.
The gallery opens every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm, as well as August Bank Holiday Monday.
It is run on a not-for-profit basis.