Special show weekend to mark Broseley art gallery's reopening

The Angel Gallery opened in Upper High Street, Broseley, in September 2019, and as the country emerges from the latest lockdown owners Mike and Ann Fraser are preparing a three-day craft fair to showcase the efforts of local artists.

The event will run from May 1 to 3 and Mike said: “We are hoping people will turn out in numbers to see what we have to offer and then come back.

“We are delighted to be opening again after Covid and will have a craft fair of eight tables on Saturday, May 1 and again the following day – the Monday craft fair is still under discussion at the moment but we will be open and know some people would like to take it up.

“We are happy with the eight tables we have and are not looking for any more, we think that is sufficient under present circumstances.

“Normally we open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11am to 5pm but for our opening weekend with the craft show we will open 11am to 5pm on the Saturday, and 11am to 3pm on the Sunday and Monday.

“We should be exhibiting about 200 artworks over the weekend. We normally exhibit on a two-monthly basis and have just about enough to display at the moment but we could make a bit more space available if necessary – so if there is anyone interested, they can get in touch. We are also keen to hear from anyone who would like to exhibit in the future.”

Ann said they are looking forward to welcoming visitors, saying: "Everyone is astounded at just how big we are inside because they think we are just two rooms – but there are so many nooks and crannies, it’s lovely.

“No-one seems to know we are here, you ask anyone in the town ‘have we got an art gallery in Broseley’ and 99.9 per cent will say ‘no’, they have never heard of us. It’s most frustrating. We are in the process of painting the outside facade, so we really are shouting out ‘look at me, we are here and ready to welcome you!'

“We have a wide selection of handmade and photographic re-production greeting cards for sale of artworks we show – mostly done by local artists.

“They bring the cards when they exhibit and leave them behind hoping we will sell them. They go really well, people do seem to like them.

“I am the resident artist and we encourage people to come and watch what I do, again without charge. We have a lot of craftwork here and jewellery too which are also made by local craftspeople.”

Mike added: “We are keen to get as many people through the door as possible over the first weekend in May. We are starting with the craft fair and an exhibition of artwork to encourage some interest and then we’ll take it from there. It promises to be a great weekend and we just hope people will turn out and support us.”

People interested in opportunities to exhibit can call 07808 767972.