New gallery gets a warm welcome
Pride of place on Paisley’s High Street, opposite the town’s Art Institute, a bold new creative project is taking shape.
Artists, friends and families all came together to celebrate the launch of Made in Paisley, a new art gallery and community space in the heart of the town.
The gallery, opened by creative couple Caroline Gormley and Alexander ‘Sandy’ Guy, aims to attract people, particularly young adults, with an interest in art.
Paisley painter Caroline, who is known for her punchy, colourful murals splashed across various locations in the town, had to leave her home town in order to become properly trained in the profession she loved.
She told the Express that she hopes her new gallery will help to nurture – and keep – local talent in the town.
The 49-year-old mum and artist said: “I’m excited to give people the opportunities that I had to leave Paisley to get.
“This town was built on creativity. It’s part of our heritage and it’s part of people’s perception of Paisley.”
The space will host exhibitions and art tuition, including children’s lessons and classes in oil painting and life drawing.
Currently the centre is exhibiting the work of various artists, incuding Robert Kelsey, Joe Hargan, Thomas Carden and Claire Marie Mothersole.
Speaking at the launch, Provost Lorraine Cameron praised Caroline and Sandy for bringing more artistic opportunities to the area.
She said: “I personally want Paisley to become a place people are talking about for all the right reasons.
“Made in Paisley is vibrant, colourful and interesting – just like the people of Paisley. The importance of this cultural venture cannot be exaggerated. It is unique. It is not just a place for artists to work, but for local people to have access to the art world.”
More than 200 people attended the launch night and Caroline said she felt humbled by all the support she had received from the community.
She thanked Robert and Jean Kelsey, Alex Ramsey and Dennis Bannister for their individual support and Business Gateway and the Paisley Arts Institute for helping to get the project off the ground.
● For more information on classes and opening times, email caroline gormley69@icloud.com or call 07793 057 151.