A retail hub aimed at putting the talents of local and regional artists and makers on the map has opened at Beverley’s Flemingate centre.
Art and Soul showcases framed art, jewellery, prints, woodwork, ceramics, glassware, embroidery and much more within a creative community with shared goals and ambitions.
Fifty artists and makers have already signed up for space at Art and Soul to showcase their unique talent and offer something different to shoppers.
Flemingate owner and operator, Hull-based commercial property developer Wykeland Group, has supported Art and Soul founder Dr Jane Berriman to establish the new retail community.
Wykeland’s key role in establishing Art and Soul is a further demonstration of its commitment to supporting the arts and creative communities.
When the owners of the former Creative Lab announced its closure after they relocated abroad, Wykeland took over the unit to maintain a space for the artists to display and sell their work.
Wykeland actively sought someone who had the passion and skills to turn it back into a creative community space and then worked with Jane to renovate the unit and create a vibrant new environment for artists and makers.
Art and Soul founder Dr Jane Berriman says the new retail emporium offers artists a showcase and sales outlet and shoppers a place to find something different from at high street stores.
Jane, from Walkington, near Beverley, makes and sells handmade postage stamp art and has drawn on her own artistic passion to bring the creative emporium to life.
She said: “It’s absolutely brilliant to open our doors and everyone involved has been so positive.
“All of our artists have had such a difficult time with exhibitions and art fairs closed because of Covid-19, so for them to have this space and be supported is wonderful.
“We have a fantastic gallery wall with a full view of Beverley Minster, which makes it such a special location, and there is nothing else like this in Beverley where you can access so many artists in one place.”
Located in the former Creative Lab unit, Art and Soul has capacity for up to 185 rental spaces, with prices ranging from £40 to £150 per month for wall or unit areas, and options can be discussed on an individual requirement basis.
Artists and makers within the Art and Soul community will receive regular updates on sales and also have access to an online forum to chat, share ideas and support other creatives.
Jo Bridgeman, Flemingate Marketing and Events Manager, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with Jane to establish Art and Soul and it’s fantastic that so many local and regional artists and makers have come together in this creative community.
“The store looks wonderful and it’s a superb addition to Flemingate. With so much talent on show under one roof, we know it will be loved and appreciated by all who visit.”
Jane added: “My hope is that all of the artists enjoy showcasing and selling their work here and are really successful, while shoppers can pop in and find something unique, handmade and very different to the high street.
“This is a place where they can buy something special for themselves or as a gift for family and friends, for any occasion.”
Dr Jane Berriman, right, with Flemingate’s Jo Bridgeman and a selection of the many and varied handmade items on sale at Art and Soul in Beverley’s Flemingate centre.
Artists interested in taking space at Art and Soul are asked to e-mail artandsoulbeverley@outlook.com with their own name, company name, contact details, a description of their products and price ranges, links to social media and websites which feature their products, and up to six high resolution images of their work.
Applications will be reviewed promptly, with the aim of minimising similar product ranges at any one time.
Art and Soul is the latest opening at the Flemingate retail and leisure destination, which features big names such as River Island and H&M, as well as local independents, and is also home to the East Riding College campus, an 80-bed Premier Inn hotel and a six-screen Parkway digital cinema.
Art and Soul founder Dr Jane Berriman, right, and Sales Assistant Caroline Devine are now welcoming shoppers to Beverley’s new creative hub at the Flemingate centre.
Pictures: Neil Holmes Photography.