A brand-new pop-up art gallery is open in Swindon’s Designer Outlet for one week only.
The pop-up, launched by Swindon Open Studios, features the work of six local artists and is a showcase of Swindon’s arts scene, but it is only open for a limited time.
Charlotte Abraham, Andi Theokle, Sheryll Fox, Mary Thorne, Helen Savin and Sholeh Jafari will all have their work featured in the space next to M&S and Clarks.
“As part of our 20-year celebrations, Swindon Open Studios is delighted to be working with Swindon Designer Outlet to host a pop-up gallery at their shopping centre from Saturday, February 10 to Sunday, February 18,” said a spokesperson for Swindon Open Studios.
“There are five painters and a ceramicist featured in this pop-up, all with a variety of styles to suit all tastes.”
Swindon Open Studios committee member and participating artist Sheryll Fox added: “We are very grateful to Swindon Designer Outlet and Marina Strinkovsky for this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the creative artistic talent that Swindon has.
“It’s a fabulous start to our 20-year anniversary and I am very much looking forward to it."
The pop-up gallery will be open from 10am-6pm every day until Sunday, February 18.
It is free to visit, and visitors will also have the opportunity to buy original, affordable art directly from the artist.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, cabinet member for culture, art and heritage, was one of the key people in bringing this gallery to life by putting the McArthur Glen outlet and Open Studios teams in touch.
“I am thrilled that Swindon Designer Outlet is working together with Swindon Open Studios to bring local art and artists out into this fantastic space where it can be enjoyed by the wider community," she said.
“We have such a breadth and depth of talent in this town and I can't wait for more people to see it! “
“Swindon’s art and creative sector need to be at the heart of our town’s future,” added Swindon parliamentary candidate Heidi Alexander, who visited the gallery’s launch event.
“I’d love to see some of the empty shop units in the town centre used – even if just on a temporary basis – to showcase the amazing talent and creativity in Swindon.”
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