A YOUNG artist from Hartford has praised the work of the London Road Studios after having three of her paintings proudly displayed there.

Thirteen-year-old Sara Oswell has had a love of art for as long as she could hold a pencil, and was delighted after a conversation with organiser Carolyn Shepherd ended with her work being on display.

“I feel very privileged to have my work on display at the London Road Studios and I really appreciate the time that Carolyn spent with me – she has given me great ideas on how to develop my art further,” said Sara, who attends Weaverham High School.

Sara’s paintings contain flowers, something that she calls her inspiration.
“Flowers inspire me, there is just something about them that intrigues me. They have their own unique style which is why I like drawing them.”

It was a trip to Scotland with her mother Denise that first gave Sara the idea of displaying her art in a gallery.

“We were visiting Sara’s brother, Jason, when we visited a small art gallery in Tore,” said Denise.

“After looking at all of the art displayed we were confident that Sara’s work could sit alongside it and this gave Sara food for thought so we sought advice from various professionals back home in Cheshire.”

On returning home, Denise and Sara visited Blakemere Craft Centre in Sandiway, where they were pointed in the direction of the London Road Studios and, more specifically, Carolyn Shepherd.

“When we got to the studios, Carolyn was locking up but invited us in inside,” said Denise.

“She kindly showed us around and spent time chatting with Sara, providing feedback on the work she had taken along.”

Carolyn asked Sara if she could feature some of her work in the studio, with three of her pieces now proudly hanging in the corridor leading to the long gallery.

Sara’s talent has inspired Carolyn to set up a new ‘Art Factory’ at the gallery, where youngsters will be able to get advice and feedback from professional artists.

“We don’t want this to be a snobby art gallery,” said Carolyn.

“We want it to be a place where people can come and feel comfortable and enjoy the art – it’s about getting people involved.”

 

SINCE opening in October, the London Road Studios have proven extremely popular, even being described as the ‘jewel of the town’ by one visitor.

After being taken over by the London Road Collective – a group of artists including Carolyn - the studios have been transformed from the former art college to a fantastic location with large galleries filled with light.

Carolyn Shepherd said: “We have had hundreds of visitors coming to look at not just the exhibitions, but also the building too. We’ve even had one visitor call it the jewel of the town.”

The first exhibition to be displayed at the studios, that of Kingsley artist Tony Evans, has proven so popular that it has been extended, with the bronze sculptors now being displayed until December 14.

For more information contact Carolyn Shepherd on 07848008145.