A EMPTY fast-food restaurant has undergone an artistic renaissance to bring a splash of colour to the community.
The former KFC on Princes Drive in Colwyn Bay, which has stood empty since the chain moved to Abergele Road more than two years ago, has been transformed into an art gallery which will be officially opened on Friday by the town’s Mayor Cllr Margaret Edwards.
Brenda Guinn, who organised the award-winning Art On The Fence scheme on Station Road last year, will be co-rdinating the non-profit community initiative, which will be called The Bay Gallery.
She said: “I was asked if would I do Art On The Fence this year, but the difficulty last year was the artists got their work wet as the weather wasn’t brilliant and I wasn’t sure if they wanted to do it again.
“I asked town manager Ingrid Lewis if I could use an empty shop where people can display and sell their work.”
With her heart set on the KFC store, Brenda was given a 12 month lease to use the site for displaying art and holding classes before the building is demolishe in 2012 as part of the Masterplan for Colwyn Bay.
Brenda said: “It’s got these great big windows and everybody sees it, but it was looking terrible. I thought it would be ideal for colourful art,” said Brenda.
“There were a lot of hoops to jump through regarding permissions and planning and services, but eventually we got it thanks to help from Conwy County Borough Council and the Bay Life + initiative."
Although the electricity is still to be connected, the gallery will be open to the public as well as holding classes for experienced painters and novices.
Brenda added: “With the building planned to be coming down in 12 months we can’t wait. At the moment there is lots of natural light coming in so we don’t need electricity."
The gallery has already impressed local businesses who have welcomed the vibrant addition to that part of the town.
Ingrid Lewis said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. This is a legacy from the award-winning Art On The Fence initiative. It’s a wonderful addition to the town centre.”
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The Bay Gallery will be open between Tuesday-Saturday from 10:30am-4pm, with regular art classes held each week.