One of the organisers of Moseley Arts Market has helped to set up a temporary pop-up shop in the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Birmingham over the Easter holiday.
Some of the finest locally hand-made contemporary arts and designer crafts, such as felt accessories, glass vases, ceramics and stunning prints will be on sale in Birmingham city centre for five days to raise the profile of local talents.
The success of the Brilliantly Birmingham Pop Up Shop in December saw new and emerging jewellery designers given a high profile city centre outlet. Now this latest creative venture at Pavilions Shopping Centre features work from around 25 artists and designer-makers from Birmingham and the surrounding areas.
Pavilions last year embarked on a policy of creative collaborations with local arts and community organisations. Alongside established retailers like M&S, Hobbs, HMV and L’Occitane, shoppers will have a unique opportunity to buy gorgeous gifts, jewellery, art and homewares directly from the designers at prices ranging from £10 to £500.
Moseley Arts Market co-ordinator Jamie Lewis, a contemporary feltmaker from Selly Park specialising in fashion and home accessories, will be offering his own range of items for sale, including clutch bags, satchels and trilby hats, many made with locally sourced wool from Worcestershire.
Other artists scheduled to showcase their work are Jan Bowman, architect turned painter, illustrator and author of the recent children’s book ‘This is Birmingham’; Dudley-based glassmaker Ian MacDonald; jeweller Ettore Consorte (Smethwick) digital illustrator Jane Anderson (Bearwood) and Nisha Grover who produces various different artworks such as acrylic painting, textiles and murals.
As well as providing valuable retail space for the artists, the shop will also act as a gallery space, showcasing a wide selection of art from Midlands artists.
Among the work on display and for sale will be the acrylics, oils and silkscreens of Emma Hardicker, who will also be compiling collections from eight fellow members of Birmingham Printmakers including Harborne-based Anne Crews, Tim Southall and Phil Wilkinson.
Mr Lewis said: “Local designers have been specially selected for their ability to produce stylish and contemporary art products that will appeal to a wide range of customers.
"I see the Pop Up shop as a cross between an arts fair and a gallery, which demonstrates that art and handmade designer crafts can be high quality yet affordable and appeal to people who perhaps wouldn’t visit a gallery, thinking it’s out of their price bracket."
The Pavilions Pop Up Art Shop is open from Friday, April 2, to Wednesday, April 7, excluding Easter Sunday.
