New Gallery opens at blue

Jan Park opened the door to her new gallery this week, above blue florists in Shifnal. Displaying work from Shropshire artists, the gallery has an array of art to include paintings, up-cycled furniture and ceramics, jewellery, glass and textile pieces; there is something for every taste and budget, the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping.

Jan a busy florist, artist and former lecturer at Wolverhampton University has long awaited the opportunity to open the gallery, eager to bring art into the local community. After meeting Steph Grove, a former art student of the university and a regular customer at Blue,  Jan employed her to co-ordinate the gallery, a brave move in these difficult financial times. Jan said that “she felt it was very important to have someone with an arts degree and a background knowledge of art” and said the reason behind opening a new gallery in a time where not many new businesses are appearing, “When students finish their degree it is often hard for them to find gallery’s to show their work in, it’s tough out there. I wanted to have somewhere for the local artists to exhibit and show case their talent, we have been amazed with the excellent quality and inventiveness of these artists, I’m very impressed” 

New employee at the gallery Steph commented “I’m very excited to be given this opportunity, it’s a really difficult time for employers and also for people leaving university trying to get jobs, art is a very difficult area to find employment in. I‘ve been really enjoying meeting local artists and seeing some very inspiring work, it’s very exciting to be involved in this new business”

During the private view evening the gallery was full to capacity with visitors, including the local mayor, Eileen Briscoe, Jan on twitter later that night said that she was “honoured to see the Mayor of Shifnal at the gallery opening tonight” 

Situated above popular blue florists and china blue café, 20 market place, Shifnal, the gallery is open normal shop hours to include the new late night Thursday’s until 7.30pm.