A community ‘window gallery’ and studio in Cliftonville has closed after 10 years of providing a platform for isle artists.
The Shop Front Community Gallery and Studio at 161 Northdown Road was launched by Jon Spencer in 2016.
It started on an ad-hoc basis before moving to exhibitions every two months.
The space has been a much-loved and valuable community asset, hosting 32 shows, for artists and community groups to exhibit their work. The studio space behind the gallery has also supported a range of creative practices over the years.
Among those who have worked with The Shop Front are Colourful Margate which collaborated with Cliftonville Primary and other schools on the Cherry Tree art project; Undertow with a community postcard scheme; Thanet Tiles of Joy; POW Festival and numerous individual artists including Dominic Rose, Heather Tait and Lily Hughes.
The last show ‘Journey to the Heart of Light’ by Govinda Sah ended on Sunday.
Jon said: “The idea was both to offer something to Northdown Road that was more interesting than the view of people tapping away at a computer, and also to create a space where people could view a range of art, without having to cross the threshold into a gallery space.
“It’s been a real pleasure doing this, working with a range of artists and work. This has never really been a selling opportunity for the artists, much more a chance to share their work. I’d really like to thank the artists for their contributions, my family for supporting this project and most importantly all the people who’ve stopped to look at the work.
“It’s promoted some great conversations with the widest range of people and it’s always been wonderful to hear that people have enjoyed the work.”
Jon says the move is necessitated by the needs of his family.
He said: “We live above the shop and have two children currently sharing a bedroom. The driver to move was simply to find a home where the kids could have their own bedrooms.
“We needed to sell the building as a whole to be able to move.”
Artists and members of community groups who have had their work displayed joined Jon and his family at the weekend to say thank you and goodbye.
Although the community is sad that The Shop Front is leaving, there is also some good news.
Ramsay & Williams artisan ice cream bar is moving from Market Street to take over the Northdown Road premises with plans for a range of new flavours, deliveries and events.
