Caerphilly County Borough’s only art gallery has opened its doors to the public.
Y Galeri is the first step in a project to create a thriving arts centre in Caerphilly town in the former premises of a loans company.
The new arts centre, called Yr Arteri, is a not-for-profit social enterprise and will include workshop rooms, pottery kilns, a coffee shop, and community outreach work. A team of six people with backgrounds in the arts, teaching and finance are behind the project.
Last week guests packed out the new gallery for its official opening.
Artistic director Jan Pennell said: “Being passionate about living in Caerphilly Borough I know there is a great deal of interest in art in the area and feel that there is a definite need for an art gallery here.
“By providing a platform for Welsh art and Welsh artists we hope we will put Y Galeri and Caerphilly on the map as a centre for culture. So far there’s a real buzz of excitement from the local community for those who are aware of it. Our aim is now to grow the gallery’s reputation and bring a new cultural experience to the town.”
Visitors to the gallery can look forward to a rolling programme of exhibitions, talks, workshops, demonstrations and events throughout the year.
The first exhibition to be shown is a mixed show by some of Wales’ best-known and respected artists including Brendan Burns, Iwan Bala, Osi Rhys Osmond, Chris Griffin, the late William Brown as well as a diverse range of work by a number of emerging artists.
Y Galeri, on St Fagan’s Street, Caerphilly, is open Tuesday to Sunday between 10am and 5.30pm. The current exhibition will continue until June 24. Yr Arteri is scheduled to be fully-opened by July.
Great to have “Y Galeri” showcasing Caerffili and Wales own talent. Congratulations on the grand opening and showing your commitment in Caerffili, and I hope that you receive the support for all your efforts and with “Yr Arteri” make the town a focal point for new artists to promote their work and for learners / entrepreneurs to get into art and design through your initiative.
Congratulations Jan, just received your letter for Jamie, just to let you know he is still painting and has a web site.. Richard J Oliver fine arts, you can get to see his recent work and blog there. Hope all goes well with the new venture and hope to see you soon. Regards Gill.
The town centre is a much better situation than part-way up the mountain road, where the town’s previous gallery was sighted. At least I bought something at the previous premises. Let’s hope that the new venue’s trade overcomes the country’s financial problems.