The Visual Art Network (VAN), is a Charitable Trust, who are celebrating their 25th Anniversary. Having 130 members and Run by volunteers, VAN aims to get creative and likeminded people connected as well as offering financial help to community projects, such as Shrewsbury Arts Trail, Shrewsbury Open Studios and activities at the English Bridge Workshops and the Hive in Shrewsbury.
The ‘VAN Gallery’ is where you can find artwork honed by it’s Members, all local artists and makers, and where you can browse in a relaxing and stimulating space, everyone is welcome. The VAN Gallery can be found on the middle level of the Darwin Centre in Shrewsbury where they hold rolling Exhibitions throughout the year.
VAN members have varied skills from painting, photography, wood turning, ceramics, glass and weaving to name but a few. A new ‘Winter Exhibition’ has started where you will find a multitude of Christmas items for sale including artwork and craft items, maybe you will find the perfect seasonal gift or card for that someone special, a loved one, friend or family member or a one off Christmas decoration for yourself. This year you will also be able to find VAN at ‘Battlefield 1403 Farm Shop’s Christmas Taster evening and fair’ on the 21st November and at ‘Condover Hall’s Christmas Market’ on the 1st December, where they will have stalls selling a selection of members work. The Gallery is open Tuesday – Friday 11am until 3pm, Saturdays 10am until 5pm and Sundays 11am until 4pm but don’t forget the Christmas late night shopping on Wednesday the 20th November when they will stay open until 8pm and each Wednesday thereafter until Christmas until 7pm.
Why not become a member? New members are always welcome. Can you paint or do you have a craft be it a hobby or a small business? We have workshops, socials and many opportunities for members, with membership at just £18 annually and FREE for under 25’s. If you don’t create art yourself but would like to be part of an artistic community then why not join as a ‘Friend of VAN’ for £1, you can join in the socials or get more involved, volunteering in the gallery, with the running of a workshop or VAN itself, by joining the trustees and help in creating VAN’s future.
For more information go to our website at www.visualartnetwork.org.uk We have so many talented members so why not come down and see for yourself all we have to offer. We’re sure you will be delighted by the quality and variety we have on sale.
