Caroline brings art to the heart of Paisley
She plans new community studio in High Street
A talented Buddie is gearing up to paint the town red in a bid to give back to the people of Paisley.
Artist Caroline Gormley is hard at work transforming the space at 69 High Street into a new community art centre as part of her mission to bring a splash of colour and creativity to the town.
She told the Express: “Paisley was built on creativity. It’s part of our heritage and it’s part of people’s perception of Paisley.
“It’s how we made a name for ourselves and it’s part of what motivates people to come and visit.”
The 49-year-old mum is known for her punchy, colourful pieces and her murals are splashed across various locations in the town.
Her Buddie mural in Storie Street attracts crowds from all over Renfrewshire, and depicts an image of Eva Paisley schoolgirl Rose.
But Caroline admits becoming the celebrated artist she is today wasn’t easy.
“I didn’t officially study art till 2011,” she said. “I was a carer for my parents from the age of 12 until the age of 37.
“For a long time I was the sister that no- one knew about and painting is what has moved me on in my life.
“I had to leave Paisley to get the those skills but I’m excited to give people the opportunities that I had to leave Paisley to get.
“I don’t want talented people to feel like they need to go elsewhere for this experience. The people of Paisley need this.”
Now alongside fellow artist – and future husband – Sandy Guy, 55, Caroline plans to open the art centre in September.
She said: “It’s going to be a very adaptable space where we can host exhibitions and classes.
“There will be children’s classes, oil painting and life drawing.
“Sandy will also be able to look over peoples’ profiles if they are needing help to apply to art schools.
“No one will be excluded – this is a space for every body.”
This is not the first time Caroline and her fiance Sandy have collaborated on an artistic project.
The talented pair have painted iconic people, places and historic moments, from Paisley actor Fulton Mackay, best known for his role as prison officer Mr Mackay in Seventies sitcom Porridge, to Anchor Mill and the Mill Girls.
“Sandy has taught me so much, Now we want to pass those skills on to others,” said Caroline.
The pair are hard at work revamping the studio space which they managed to secure thanks to support and funding from fellow artists and community groups.
“We’ve been so fortunate. Dennis Banister, Colette Cardosi, Eslyn Barr, Robert Kelsey have all been great as have Paisley First, Paisley 2021, PaisleyIs and the Paisley Art Institute.”
Caroline and Sandy are still looking for support in order to meet their goal of opening in September.
“We still need help with funding and supplies or even just people’s time,” said Caroline. “Anyone is welcome come along and help us get the studio ready - just pop in.”
If you would like to help Caroline and Sandy on their mission, email caroline gormley69@icloud.com or call 07793057151.