[T]he renovation of a former antiques shop in Penrith town centre has created an exciting new gallery and studio space for the Eden Valley Artistic Network (EVAN). The new gallery was officially opened on Thursday 9 November 2017.
The renovation project at 4 Corney Place, near Penrith Town Hall is part of the economic development work being undertaken by Eden District Council’s Commercial Services Team.
The gallery and studios will be home to over 40 artists in residence exhibiting their work and provide space for the work to be sold to the public over two floors.
Councillor Mike Slee, Commercial Services Portfolio Holder for Eden District Council, said: “When we bought the building earlier in the year this was just the type of organisation we hoped would set up. We’ve worked alongside EVAN in the refurbishment of the building to create a space for the artists to not only display their work but also to create it within individual work spaces. Members of the public will be able to regularly meet the different artists in residence and to learn how the art is created and of course buy pieces that are on display.”
EVAN is a new community interest company, created to develop a network of individuals, organisations and venues with the aim of supporting and promoting artistic endeavours in the Eden Valley and giving artists a voice.
EVAN’s aims include:
- To support the development of local artists, creating pathways to progress
- Providing opportunities for local artists to show and market their work, connecting them with the local and tourist communities
- Creating opportunities for networking and socialising
- Providing a professional development scheme for local working artists
- Providing a mentoring scheme for artistic endeavour
Simon Whalley founder of EVAN, said “The Gallery and Studios are exactly the partnership working we wanted to create, to help local artists develop careers in the local area. Eden District Council has been fantastic in helping us bring one of our dreams alive. We look forward to more creative ventures in the future.”
For more information about EVAN visit www.edenvalleyartisticnetwork.co.uk or call into the new gallery and studio at 4 Corney Place in Penrith. The Gallery is open seven days a week from 10am – 4pm. For more information about Economic Development in Eden District visit www.investineden.co.uk
