Official opening of Southern Hemisphere at PS Arts

PS Arts, a popular art and photography gallery and vintage tearoom housed in a converted barn in Datchworth, Hertfordshire, celebrated its official opening on 9 May 2014.

To mark the occasion, the gallery hostied an evening event attended by guest of honour, Councillor Howard Morgan, Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council. Guests werel be invited to browse the eclectic mix of art, ceramics, sculptures and photography.

PS Arts celebrated the opening of Southern Hemisphere – its new dedicated exhibition space – with a striking black and white photography exhibition of London’s Portobello Road in the 1970s. The collection of images was photographed by Sarah Bissett Scott in 1976 for her post-graduate research at the Architectural Association. Sarah has revisited Notting Hill and is also showing her recent digital prints of the area to share her understanding of what the regeneration of North Kensington has meant for its communities. This exhibition will be open to the public for two weeks from 9 to 25 May 2014.

PS Arts is owned and managed by Stevenage-based photographer and art enthusiast, Sharon Struckman, who, together with two business partners: bespoke home furnishings creator, Melinda Walsh Baines, and successful cake designer and vintage tea room owner, Sarah Poole, have transformed this characterful farm building into a thriving art centre.

With its unique combination of art gallery, exhibition centre, bespoke furnishings, workshops and vintage tearoom, PS Arts has become a popular destination for those who appreciate art, tranquility and a slice of homemade cake.

It began life when Sharon, who has long been passionate about art and photography, discovered the barn and embarked on a new venture. Having enjoyed a career in marketing and PR, Sharon had moved to England from South Africa in 2002. She settled into life as a homemaker and mum, while dreaming of creating a retreat for artists and an opportunity to turn her creativity into reality.
This trio of inspiring women are equally passionate about preserving the environment. All furniture and furnishings in use at the barn have been sourced from second-hand or free cycled websites. There is also great excitement surrounding Serendipity – an art inspired garden area being created outside the barn from up-cycled materials and plants.

Following early experimentation with a photo studio, tearoom and small art display, Sharon expanded the art gallery in response to demand from artists and artisans keen to display their art and creations in this beautiful space. There are now 26 artists promoting their work at PS Arts. The art on display covers a range of media including: water colour, acrylic ink, oil, pastels, fused glass, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and textile arts.

Although in many ways a work in progress, PS Arts is already a vibrant mingling of visitors to the tearoom, exhibiting artists and people looking to admire or purchase a unique piece of art or design.
“We are passionate about promoting talent,” Sharon explains. “We want to encourage people of all ages and abilities to come here to explore, experiment and realise their creative potential. We have the facilities to hold exhibitions, run courses and host events. This event will be a great opportunity for PS Arts and a chance to introduce the public to our new exhibition centre, Southern Hemisphere.”
The facilities at PS Arts are available for exhibitions, private functions, workshops, life-drawing classes, icing and cupcake classes, upholstery classes and more.

For more information visit http://www.psarts.co.uk/