Images of Japan

Another favourite for the Gallery. Mike returns with his distinctive watercolours exquisitely executed with confidence. Many ‘would be painters’ enjoy Mike’s work appreciating that often less is more, his wonderfully light approach gives a depth of feeling to this Exhibition. It is clear to see that this extended holiday in Japan has left memories that will appear in many more paintings from Mike's studio. The exhibition runs to Saturday 6th November 2010.

Beside the Seaside
(Cornwall to Crosby)
Pat Clare

The Exhibition officially begins on Saturday 14th August with an 'Open House' and runs until the 25th September, there is no entry fee.

More lovely oil paintings from one of our favourites. Pat seems to capture the essence of the scene before her, the natural movement of the water and the reflections upon the surface, interesting composition and lots of her beloved BLUE....

The Gallery is located on the first floor of this charming 16th century Coachman's House and hosts a regular display of high quality Contemporary Applied Arts from British Designer/Makers, including studio pottery, glass, ceramics, textiles, baskets and a variety of different styles of jewellery, which Maggie sources from all over Great Britain. The Picture Shop, which provides a Bespoke Framing Service is on the ground floor. There is a pleasant courtyard too, so, weather permitting, there is room to relax.

The Picture Shop and Gallery is located near the entrance to New Street Car Park, which is just off the High Street opposite the Church in the Centre of town.

Our local magazine, Nova News, has just been delivered through the door today, here is the piece I wrote for this issue. You might like to visit ww.novanews.co.uk to find out more about Newport and it's independant businesses, then you might like to visit Newport for yourself.

"Reasons to be Cheerful, one, two three….

Buying British – In these tough times we are all doing our bit, both locally and nationally and what better way to support the economy than to buy British made goods. In the Gallery we stock work from Designer Makers across the British Isles, ranging from assorted textiles pieces, jewellery, glass and studio pottery to unusual lighting and ceramics. One of our most enjoyable tasks is to keep finding new Makers whose work we enjoy and wish to share with you. If you are one of our regular visitors, you will have seen our selection of high quality work grow over the years and we know, because you tell us, that one of the best things is that it is all unusual and you will always find something that is different.

Supporting the Local Rural Economy – We must thank you for doing this already, by returning time after time to shop with us at The Picture Shop and Gallery and also sending your friends and family to us . We in turn do our best to promote not only our unique business, but many of the superb independent businesses in Newport that make this town such a gem and a place where we want to attract visitors. I am a member of WIRE (Women in Rural Enterprise), which coincidentally is based at Harper Adams (HAUC), although it is a national organisation, and as a WIRE member, together with two other local business women, launched a Newport WIRE Network which will meet on the last Wednesday afternoon of each month. The purpose of the meetings is to provide a platform for business women to network, share and support each other under the umbrella of the WIRE organisation. Visit www.wireuk.org or magholl@Aol.com to find out more.

Sustainability – As the fashion for ‘vintage’ continues to gather pace, we are adding a range of items, to The Picture Shop and Gallery which we have sourced, that we feel compliment the more contemporary pieces. These may include a small piece of furniture, a chair, some lovely old glass or really pretty china. I have written in Nova News before that true antiques will make a comeback in the not too distant future, but whether it is a real antique or just a well loved piece, old and new will always provide interest when teamed together.

So, here’s to another exciting and prosperous year in 2010 for us all. We may not always get it right, but Together Everyone Achieves More – and on that note I have to say a special thank you to Chairman Mark Freeman and the Newport Chamber of Commerce for their continued support of all businesses, including the independent sector, of Newport – a Very Happy New Year to You All" - Maggie Hollinshead Jan 2010

Art for Art’s Sake
We are showcasing an exhibition of Abstract Art from local Artist Carl Maydew. Carl says, “I have been painting now for around ten years and have become a firm advocate of ‘Art for Art’s Sake’. I am pleased to admit to having many influences, too numerous in fact to mention, and am happy for my work to be seen primarily as decorative. You will notice, I hope, a sense of fun running through much of my work.”

The Exhibition runs to the end of February.