Artist showcases work and local retail in one stroke

The 29-year-old spent a day painting two large canvasses in the window of The Outlet in the Market building.

She did it to showcase her art and to encourage people to shop on-island instead of online.

She started painting as a hobby in the second lockdown and received a lot of interest from people wanting to purchase her work.

She approached The Outlet owner Matt Grange with her idea to paint in the window for a day, which he accepted keenly.

‘People will often come to Town but they won’t buy anything because it’s easier to sit on the sofa and buy things from there,’ he said.

Many shops through Town have closed since the lockdowns due to economic hardships created by the pandemic and more islanders choosing to purchase items online.

‘I have had a lot of people come into the shop to say it’s a cool idea and kids asking questions about the paintings,’ said Miss Anna.

More people went into the shop, according to Mr Grange, who said it was important for shop owners to introduce new and inventive aspects to shopping wherever possible.

‘It’s nice to see something different,’ he said.

‘As retailers we can get used to doing the same things, but you need to think outside the box.

‘The way that retail is going, online has become such a big part of it.’

Social media manager Emma Matthews was part of the planning for the installation.

‘We want to bring more life to Town – more things like this should happen in shops.

‘There is so much more of an appetite for it now and this hasn’t really been done before,’ she said.

• Those interested in purchasing paintings and prints can do so from the Tiffany Anna Art Gallery in Fountain Street.