Use of empty Arcade shop puts artists in the frame

The former H Samuel store saw hundreds of people attend free art activity sessions as part of the Guernsey Street Festival, and despite things having quietened down, there is still an opportunity to browse and buy local art.

‘People who have popped in have been interested in the art we are selling here, often from artists that they wouldn’t normally see in shops,’ said Lauren De Jersey, studio assistant at Iris & Dora.

‘For the artists, it has been an opportunity to have their work for sale in Town, and we have a variety of work from a variety of artists.’

A colourful mermaid was chalked onto the pavement outside the hub and the team believed that it has encouraged people to check out the shop.

‘It has definitely brought people in and then from there they have discovered work from local artists,’ said Miss De Jersey.

Despite receiving abuse from some members of the public for the colourful chalk drawings, the Iris & Dora team have issued a reassurance that they are using children’s chalk which washes away in the rain, and it is there to make people happy and encourage creativity.

The arrangement is in collaboration with the Guernsey Art Network, which invited all of its members to get involved.

‘It’s a way of selling local artwork, but also having fun at the same time,’ said network member Angie Tolcher.

‘It has been really busy in here for the past few weeks and I think parents have appreciated having the free workshops.’

All artists whose work is featured do shifts in the shop and a portion of any art sale goes towards the rent.

The art shop is temporary until the landlord sells the property and the organisations said it could be a matter of weeks or might be until Christmas.

It is part of the Guernsey Retail Group’s ‘retail pathway’ to fill up empty shops and provide businesses with the opportunity to test the waters in Town.