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The Art Nest
How artists are getting creative in Hertfordshire
Brighten up a dull day with a splash of colourful artwork by taking a look at our favourite tour this week, The Art Nest in Hitchin. Set amongst a row of shops which line a pretty backstreet within nudging distance of the centre of this charming market town, the gallery is owned by artist and award winning card designer, Emmeline Webb.
Here you'll find an array of beautiful artwork, including paintings, ceramics, prints, glass, china and greetings cards.
Beautiful birds
Everything included within the range of original products on display is hand crafted in the UK. On opening the gallery in 2011, Emmeline's aim has always been to promote the work of professional and practising artists from the local and regional area.
The shop boasts a varied collection of arts and crafts, which Emmeline is frequently updating, so it's worth visiting in person often to see what's new. We were greeted with an assortment of colourful canvases portraying budgerigars, peacocks, toucans, and a large rubber duck, when we arrived to take photographs for their virtual tour.
The Art Nest holds regular exhibitions to showcase work from different artists. With Valentine's Day approaching, the romantic theme of Love is the rather appropriate focus of the next show, which starts on 5th February.
Have your cake & eat it
On the left of the gallery as you go in you'll find an artists' studio where The Art Nest hosts a variety of workshops for small groups of people who want to create their own art. You don't have to be an expert; anyone who'd like to try their hand at something imaginative is welcome.
Painting in oils is a popular class, along with a range of others to choose from, such as still life drawing, mixed media, fused glass, jewellery making and working with clay. We love the sound of the workshop in March entitled 'Paint your Cake & Eat it too'. Staff member, Sarah, tell us the classes are kept to a maximum of six or seven people to ensure the groups always have a personal and relaxed feel.
Creative plans
Recently, The Art Nest has started crafting its own products to sell, with a growing collection of greetings cards, bone china crockery and gifts being made on the premises.
They are also utilising the internet to exhibit a range of paintings which can be purchased online, with last year's addition of an ecommerce option to their website proving a popular way to reach a wider audience.
Take the virtual tour of the The Art Nest below.
Visit them at 4-5 West Alley, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 1EG. Tel 01462 454019.
Look them up on the web at theartnest.com, on Twitter @TheArtNest and Facebook TheArtNestHitchin. You can also find them on Google+ here and Pinterest here.
Date: 30 January 2015
Author: The 360 Company