According to a leading national weekend newspaper, Stroud has now overtaken Cornwall as the number one home of artists and authors. Stroud has long been known for its creativity. At the turn of the 20th century, a band of talented craftsmen, all friends of William Morris, dedicated themselves to creating artistic yet functional works in the Stroud Valleys. This tradition continues today, and in many parts of the District you can find galleries and exhibitions showcasing local arts and crafts.
Arts Award
Stroud District Council will celebrate and showcase photography for the third annual Arts Award. A commission of £2,000 will be awarded to the winning photographer to produce a body of new, exciting and original work that will be exhibited and toured in the area. See Arts Award 2007 for more information.
The Subscription Rooms
Stroud District Council has recently refurbished the Subscription Rooms in the centre of Stroud, and this thriving Arts Centre plays host to a wide spectrum of events - from exhibitions and live performances to conferences and workshops.
Further information can be found on the Subscription Rooms website
Stroud House Gallery
Stroud House Gallery opened and began exhibiting in 1998. The gallery is home to contemporary art - favourites include an underground fridge made from plastic bags and a three foot high teapot! The gallery attracts big names as well as up and coming artists. Further information can be found on their website www.stroudhousegallery.co.uk
Made in Stroud
Made in Stroud in Kendrick Street, Stroud is an "Aladdin's cave" of hand made crafts - from dolls houses and musical instruments, to clothes and cards. Many local artists have work for sale, and everything is individual, locally made and unique.
You can find out further information on the website www.madeinstroud.org/shop.htm
Mills Café
In Withey's Yard in Stroud, you will find a "continental" courtyard haven. Mills Café has delicious cakes, café lattes and an ever-changing gallery of paintings by local artists. Here you can almost believe you are in France or Spain - weather permitting!
Ropestore Arts
Initiating and curating exhibitions and festivals showing work by local and national fine and applied artists.
Please email Lizzi Walton on 01453 752682 or email for more information.
Stroudwater Textile Festival
Following the success of 05s Textile Festival this is now to be an annual event taking place in May throughout Stroud and the Valleys. Showing work by leading national textile artists alongside local unknown textile makers. Talks, workshops. Contact ropestore arts for details.
The Space
The Space in Lansdown, Stroud, offers opportunities for the community to participate in, develop and celebrate creative activities. It provides a flexible theatre, workshop and rehearsal space and is already well used by local, regional, and national artists and performing companies.
Further information can be found on their website at
www.the-space.org
Pangolin Editions
In the Chalford Valley, Pangolin Editions, one of Britain's leading sculpture foundries, casts an amazing range of objects in bronze. A changing exhibition of sculptures is always on show as well as frequent themed, group and solo exhibitions. Gallery Pangolin exhibits at major art fairs and also collaborates with other galleries. Visitors are welcomed by appointment.
Further information and interesting details of the methods involved can be found on their website www.pangolin-editions.com
Cairn Gallery and Ruskin Mill, Nailsworth
In Nailsworth, a town fast becoming a fresh focus for craftsmen, you will find the Cairn Gallery, and Ruskin Mill complete with working waterwheel on the outskirts, offering mouth-watering cakes with a chance to see artists at work in their studios.
Rivers Gallery, Nailsworth
This newly opened gallery in Market Street specialises in contemporary works by a variety of artists, sculptors, stained glass makers, art jewellers and glass makers and ceramicists.
Further information can be found on their website www.riversgallery.com
Perfect Blend, Berkeley
The walls of "Perfect Blend", a tiny coffee shop in Berkeley are always covered in prints and paintings
Prema, Uley
Prema is a small, independent rural Arts Centre based in a former Baptist Chapel in Uley. The centre has an international reputation for live arts.
Further information can be found on their website at www.prema.demon.co.uk
Gloucestershire Printmaking Co-operative
The Gloucestershire Printmaking Co-operative at Griffin Mill, Thrupp, offers studio facilities, courses and workshops for fine-art printmaking (etching, stone and plate lithography, relief printing and screen printing). Members exhibit regularly.
For further information visit their website www.gloucestershireprintmakingco-op.org.uk
Or Contact them on:
Email info@gloucestershireprintmakingco-op.org.uk
Telephone 01453 765281
