Wrexham’s only art gallery for local artists and makers, The Drawing Board, opened in November 2021 and you can find it on Lord Street between Hays Travel and Vasco da Gama.
No Hanging Fees
Since opening, the gallery has attracted an increasing number of artists for every exhibition. Each quarter, the exhibitions feature the work of around 75 different artists and makers. The next open exhibition, their 17th, will launch at the beginning of November.
To ensure access for all local artists and makers, there are no hanging fees to exhibit in the gallery. The business charges a small commission on sales that goes towards covering the gallery’s running costs.
The gallery exhibits a wide range of styles and media, including watercolours, acrylics, oils, pastels, and photography. Crafts include ceramics, glass, felted wool, wooden handcrafted items and jewellery. Many of the handmade items are made from recycled wood and leather.
Wrexham Wonder Wall
Whereas each main exhibition lasts for three months, the gallery also features the “Wrexham Wonder Wall”, one of the walls in the gallery that an artist or a group of artists can hire for a month at a time. At present, there is a waiting list for this popular facility.
The gallery hosts drop-in demos on Monday afternoons, where one of the artists or makers gives a demonstration of aspects of their work. These sessions are very popular, and many attendees gain inspiration from them for their own work.
The gallery purchased some “reject” leather (it was about to be incinerated!) in 2022, and two of its directors learned how to work with it. Around the same time, a small funding grant enabled the purchase of a leather press and some die cutters. Consequently, the directors now create keyrings, bookmarks, and coasters, and the sale of these has increased the gallery’s income. Another local company recently commissioned the gallery to make 200 coasters as gifts for their clients.
MusArt
Last year, The Drawing Board received a grant from the UK Government via Wrexham County Borough Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to put on workshops and events at the gallery, and to engage with community groups throughout the county, running “MusArt” (a well-being activity that combines music and art), and other workshops. The gallery has also won an F Jones Initiative “Make your Mark Award” in recognition of its community work.
Volunteers run the gallery, which is open five days a week from 10am to 4pm and closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. If you enjoy meeting people and have a few hours to spare regularly, why not consider joining the friendly team at the gallery?
You can find out more about the gallery by following their social media pages: Facebook (@drawingboardwrexham) or Instagram (@wrexhamdb), or by emailing [email protected].
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