A NEW gallery has opened in Amesbury to shine a light on the talent of local artists.

On Friday, December 7, Amesbury Art Gallery in Salisbury Street opened its doors to the public, inviting visitors to look around and purchase unique artwork, ceramics, sculptures and prints.

The exhibit currently displays the work of local artists including Paul Hawthorne, David O'Connor and Nick Andrew.

Lucinda Coldrey is the artist in residence at the gallery, greeting visitors while painting at her easel, offering expert advice and accepting commissions.

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Owner of the gallery, Wendy Barratt, said the opening night was "very successful", with around 60 people attending, adding: "The gallery is quite small but it was absolutely packed."

The artwork sourced for the gallery will be "original" and from "Wiltshire-based" exhibitors, Wendy added.

"This gallery gives them [artists] a place to exhibit their work locally, and also it's work that can't be found anywhere else."

Wendy has worked at Framework Amesbury for the past four years, opposite the newly formed gallery, and said: "I'd stare at the cottage opposite dreaming it would be our gallery one day, this is such a lovely building and then luckily the lease came up and it was ours."

Monthly exhibitions and special events will be held at the gallery throughout next year, ran by a number of artists.

Amesbury Art Gallery is currently open three days a week, but hours will be extended from January.

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