‘It’s very nice to see this type of art here in Guernsey’
EXHIBITION Transformation – the beginning of an artistic journey, saw a steady stream of visitors at its opening Saturday morning at the new Art for Guernsey gallery on Mansell Street.
Approximately 200 people explored the interconnected rooms of the old furniture store that had been covered in street art by visiting artists.
Mother and son Jo Hollyer-Hill and Theo, 12, were very excited to explore the new exhibition.
Theo loves to create digital art on his iPad at home, and Mrs Hollyer-Hill said it was great for him to see the types of art he likes and recreates in a gallery in Guernsey.
‘I absolutely love it. I passed the building a couple times while the artists were working, and I couldn’t wait to see what they had done,’ said Mrs Hollyer-Hill.
‘Anything art based in Guernsey is something to be excited about, but I love that this exhibit appeals to everyone.’
She believed the gallery would bring lots of life and buzz to the Old Quarter area of Town, and she was excited to see what else is in store.
Father and son Kelvin and Olly, 12, were in town Saturday afternoon when they passed the store front and decided to pop in for a visit. They both said the gallery would be good for Guernsey, and they had enjoyed seeing the art on offer.
Emma Miller had come into Town especially to see the exhibition, and thought the gallery was amazing.
‘It’s very nice to see this type of art here in Guernsey.
‘We specifically came into Town today to see it.
‘I think it will definitely increase footfall to this part of Town,’ she said.
She was particularly drawn to the works by artist Teddy Baden, and was sad to have missed his works being on sale.
Art for Guernsey founder David Ummels said he was very pleased with first few hours of opening, and was encouraged by the feedback he had received.
‘I think people are very pleased to see a building they knew in a different light, and I think they are pleased we’ve given new life to it,’ he said.
‘The opportunity to engage with the public is incredible, and we are committed to sharing our plans and vision for this space with the community.’
The current street art exhibition was curated to help raise funds for the future grand opening of a permanent art gallery space later this year.
Mr Ummels said he knew the space in its current form was temporary, and he felt street art, which is temporary by its nature, would be a fitting theme for an exhibit.
Dozens of local youth worked with the five visiting artists last week while the space was transformed, and Mr Ummels said he was still amazed at what had been accomplished in just six days.
The public can view and explore the gallery for themselves from today through 20 February.
The gallery is closed on Mondays, but open 9am-6pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9am-8pm Thursdays and Fridays, and 10am-5pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Its official opening is set to take place in late summer with ‘A Renaissance of Victor Hugo’ exhibit featuring the works of Daniel Hosego and Oleg Mikhailov.
