Sandwell Mayor Reviews October's Exhibition
The Worshipfull, the Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Ahmadul Haque, MBE attend The Art Yard on Monday, October 9th 2017 to review the 2nd Open All Art Exhibition. The extended galleries and studios reopened on September 4th enabling 35 local artists to take part in the first exhibition showcasing over 180 pieces of their work. The Art Yard encourages artists at every level to participate in the monthly displays of art and craft which includes digital design and art shown on audio and visual display equipment situated in the central multi-media gallery and micro cinema.
The Mayor was given a guided tour of the extended facilities and met exhibiting artists to discuss the processes involved in creating their displays.
The Art Yard is manned by members from Midland Film And Art group and Warren McCabe-Smith, a professional artist and volunteer member said, “It is fantastic that The Mayor of Sandwell has recognised the significant contribution that The Art Yard is making to local artists by enabling them to showcase their art to the public. Our exhibitions provide artists with the opportunity to display their work among a wide diversity of other art works. Our open door approach enables The Art Yard to acknowledge, celebrate and promote all art produced by those artists that exhibit work with us.”
MFAA Secretary, Harry Bloomer said, “Midland Film and Art have been able to transform and improve the available gallery spaces thanks to the initial funds given by our patron, Cradley Heath Film. All the hard physical work and time to refurbish The Art Yard and do improvements was put in free by volunteer members of the group. Since we began the refurbishment various local businesses and followers of the arts have recognised the potential benefits that having accessible art galleries and studios locally in Cradley Heath has for all artists and they have come onboard to help with resources to support The Art Yard going forward.”
Martyn Harris, is a professional artist and MFAA volunteer, said, “The improvements members have made enable The Art Yard to now offer Life Drawing and Still Life classes in the central and rear studio areas that will be run by experienced College Tutor, Steve Wright and Birmingham Teacher, Al Francis. There are already a number of artists queuing to sign up for the initial six week courses that will follow an organsed programme for artists to develop their personal skill level. We would urge anyone interested in taking part to get in touch with The Art Yard by telephone, email or via Facebook.” He went on to comment further, “We have extended the available studio space into the rear gallery which has good natural lighting and because of that, professional and amateur photographers have been enquiring about using the new Photo Studios, particularly for taking portrait photographs.”