Last Friday evening saw the opening of an innovative new gallery and studio space in Sandown. Yes! In Sandown.

The atmosphere at Boojum & Snark on the High Street was buzzing, as a wide variety of guests joined the founders of this social business – Tracy Mikich, Lauren Fry, Simon Avery and Joanne Hummel-Newell – in raising their glasses for the launch.

Amongst those toasting the gallery’s success was Sandown Mayor, Ian Ward. He told us “I think this new studio/gallery is really positive for Sandown. It’s good for the town and I wish it the greatest success. I will do all I can to help promote it as it’s great for the young people and great for the community.”

First residency: Adrienne Wroath and Jo Hummell-Newell
The gallery launched with a month long residency by contemporary Island artists, Adrienne Wroath and Jo Hummell-Newell. Charm & Trove, as they’ve called it, uses a variety of drawing, sculpture, installation and film to create an engaging and unique art exhibition using Sandown’s architecture, beach culture and importantly, the community, as inspiration.

However, Boojum & Snark is not just a gallery space. As well the programme of exhibitions and family activities, the founders hope to build national and international links with other art organizations in order to bring world-class cultural experiences to the area and actively promote local and national artists.

Local schools to get involved
Their ideas for programmes with the local schools and young people are not only inspiring but could lead to some really exciting projects being developed in Sandown, helping the regeneration of the Bay area.

Do take time out to check out the new gallery space (105 High Street, Sandown) and the exhibition which runs until 21 November. It’s open Thursday to Sundays.

To start to capture the feeling of the place, take a look through the evening with photos by Julian Winslow. Click on them to see larger versions and step through the three pages of images.

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