Ellesmere artist turns hobby into career with new gallery
A woman who gave up being a teacher to look after her children ten years ago has turned her passion for art into a new business.
Louise Freeman, of Ellesmere, has been creating art on her kitchen table for the past two years. But on Saturday she will open the Quirky Art Ceramics Studio Gallery in Scotland Street in the town.
More than 100 people will be at the launch to see her drawings and sculptures, including mayor of the town Alan Clarke who will cut the red ribbon.
She also hopes to launch community evening classes for portrait drawing and sculpture in the coming months.
The mother-of-two said she has had a brilliant response so far, despite the fact she has not yet opened.
She said: "There is a sculpting desk and people have been watching through the window, they love it. It links the process with the finished product and shows people the journey. People have been tapping the door trying to get in already."
She said she was excited and nervous about the big launch on Saturday.
The studio includes work from local and professional artists. There are sculptures, enamel art and work by potters, textilists, hand weavers and photographers covering a wide range of subjects.
"I want it to be really approachable for the public so there is a whole range of prices and art," she added.
Mrs Freeman was an art and design teacher in Cardiff for four years before doing supply work and then becoming a full time mum. She moved to Bangor-on-Dee and has lived in Ellesmere for about two years.
She said she has always been an artist first and foremost and she is pleased to be getting back into it.
"I had work in galleries and local spaces here, that gave me the confidence to push forward," she said.
"People wanted to know where they could buy my work so I thought I'd go for it."
