A GALLERY showcasing the best of Welsh art has opened in Llandudno, with the owners being ”welcomed with open arms”.
Ffin y Parc Gallery opened at Trinity Square earlier this month at the site of a former tourism hub, after being based in Llanrwst for several years.
The gallery is owned by Ralph Sanders and Roland Powell, who established it in 2010 and have overseen its transformation into the biggest commercial art gallery in Wales.
The gallery’s first solo exhibition at the new premises is the work of Denbigh artist Sarah Carvell.
“During lockdown we had a think about what we want for the future, and I wanted to develop the art side more,” Mr Sanders told the Pioneer.
“I wanted to focus more on the art, no so much the café and the gardens - my partner Roland was running the food side and did not want to be involved with that side anymore.”
The gallery is made up of three floors, and will also host an exhibition of the work of Kevin Sinnott, one of Wales’ greatest artists, in April, which Ralph said is “one of the highlights” of the year.
He added: “It’s my love and passion, I’m really excited to be in the town, and quite nervous because we are so comfortable here.
“A lot of our clients and artists are excited to get going and we’ve got a great programme.”
Gallery manager Craig Barry has made the move from Llanrwst, while co-owner Roland, a jazz singer, also hopes to open a jazz bar in the Llandudno area in the future.
The gallery launch saw more than 200 guests attend, with the gallery saying more than half the exhibition has already sold after just over a week.
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The new Ffin y Parc showcases the best of Welsh art, and will present the work of up to 40 artists, all Wales-based or Welsh-influenced, with a “mixed collection” of up-and-coming artists and more established ones.
The owners told the Pioneer: “The opening went brilliantly with half the exhibition selling already and with 200 guests at the launch it was the perfect start!
“We are really enjoying Llandudno and feel that we have been welcomed with open arms!”
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