ART lovers in Northwich will soon have a new place to call home when a new studio and gallery opens next month.

The former Yarwood boat builder’s office in Navigation Road, is being transformed into the ArtWork Studios & Gallery by local arts group, the London Road Collective (LRC), with exhibitions and classes set to start in April.

Artists from across the north west are expected to bring their talents to the town, offering local people the chance to learn new art and craft skills.

“There will be lots going on,” said Carolyn Shepherd, founder of the LRC.

“Every month there will be a new exhibition for people to come and see.

“In our classroom there will also be a craft club, artists talks, Saturday morning taster sessions, special art workshops for schools, demonstrations and charity events.”

ArtWork Studios will be the second new gallery to open in Northwich this year, with Visual Arts Cheshire (VAC) opening the Witton Street gallery in the former Connexions building earlier this month.

Carolyn added: “It’s good that people will have more fun things to do and interesting places to go in Northwich which will make the town nicer to visit.

“ArtWork Studios & Gallery is providing much needed artist studio space and will complement other community initiatives in Northwich, including the London Road Studios, Weaver Hall Museum and Castle Park at Frodsham, to enrich the cultural community in the area which will benefit everyone.”

The workshop building will also provide affordable studio space for artists to work and exhibit their art.

Davenham artist Eric Hoyle said: “We are excited to be moving into the new studio so we can have a dedicated space to work and share ideas with other artists in a creative environment. It can feel very isolated working alone and there is something to be gained by being part of a shared community.”

The first event will be a life drawing class on April 9, which will run every week from 1pm until 4pm.

For more information, or to get involved, visit artworkstudios.co.uk
Alternatively, you can contact Carolyn Shepherd at artenquiry@artworkstudios.co.uk or on 07848008145.