Gallery celebrates first year in business – with a party today!

Gallery owner Linsay Given Black set up her own space called The Art & Craft Collective Gallery on Causewayside a year ago, and today she has invited local MP Ian Murray to come along and cut the cake.

Linsay said : “I am delighted that our first year has been such a success, both in developing new artists and providing young people with opportunities for work experience.

“Of course, it is equally gratifying in a difficult retail environment that we broke even in our first year and sales this August compared to last year when we opened are up by 55 per cent.”

Local MP Ian Murray is attending the party and cutting the birthday cake.  He said : “Congratulations on the anniversary. It’s a real milestone for the business.  The work you are doing with young people is superb as there are very few opportunities around in your sector. Hopefully the success of the work experience/intern project will allow you to employ many more.”

The Gallery provides a showcase for emerging and established artists from Edinburgh and further afield.  Twenty one artists and crafters were part of the Collective when it opened a year ago.  There are now 55 members from all over Scotland, the North East and Midlands of England and Tuscany.

Three High School pupils have done work experience in the Gallery as part of an ongoing programme.  One is now employed as a ‘Saturday girl’ at busy times and has benefitted from meeting several of the artists, as she wants to pursue a career in art.