New exhibition space is a work of art - 21/11/06
Move over Tate Modern, and stand aside the National Gallery of
London because the Vale of Glamorgan Council is proud to offer a
new art exhibition venue to rival these at the Town Hall in
Barry.
The magnificent new 'Exhibition Space' is expected to showcase
artwork from across the globe for years to come – and its free to
enter!
The space was previewed at an evening hosted by the Vale Mayor,
Cllr Nic Hodges, and his wife Shirley on November 16th. Among those
to catch a first glimpse of the art on display were Councillors,
Council officers, artists and invited guests from the local
community and businesses.
The inaugural exhibition then opened its doors to the public the
following day to coincide with the Town Hall celebration party and
Christmas lights switch-on.
The current 'Vale Artists Unveiled' exhibition, running until
January 31st 2007, contains work from twenty Vale artists selected
by a panel headed by Vale Council arts development officer Tracey
Harding.
The Mayor highlighted that it was both right and proper that
local artists have presented mixed media and remarked that the
artwork was clever, interesting and eclectic. Passionate about art,
he enthused that a flagship space had been delivered as part of the
major regeneration of the Town Hall. He said: “Art is the soul of a
community and it is appropriate that the Exhibition Space is in the
centre of the town, so people should flood to visit.”
Cllr Mike Harvey, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure and
Tourism spoke on behalf of the Leader Jeffrey James and informed
attendees: “It was the Leader's vision to establish an exhibition
space. The exhibition area adds an important new dimension to
Barry, and is a valuable part of a range of initiatives to
regenerate the town.”
Local artists were equally as proud to be involved in the first
landmark exhibition. Penarth artist Mark Annis, who paints bright
primary coloured work that’s influenced by surrealist greats such
as Picasso, commented: “This is a wonderful gallery that has so
much going for it and puts Barry on the map. It’s an excellent
central point to allow residents to access the arts.”
Not all of the artists whose work is displayed are seasoned
exhibitors; David Underwood is an engineer by trade who has
modelled wooden love spoons for around thirty-five years. His work
has previously only ever hung on the kitchen wall at his home so he
is understandably delighted to have the opportunity to share his
labours of love with the community and potential visitors to the
area.
It is hoped that the Exhibition Space will provide a further
boost to tourism for the Vale of Glamorgan – welcoming a new breed
of visitor to the area and attracting worldwide exhibitors.
In her address at the official opening, Tracey Harding outlined
her plans: “The twenty local Vale artists exhibiting in this
inaugural exhibition are just the beginning of many more planned
exhibitions, workshops, launches and other events that this venue
is able to house - both within its walls and as part of a planned
outreach programme for the community.”
The exhibition space is open Tuesday to Saturday from 12 noon
until 5pm. Please note that it is closed on a Sunday and Monday. To
find out more, or to exhibit, call Tracey Harding on 01446 704714.
Alternatively, visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk for more about arts
in the Vale.