New Art Shop Opens In Preston

Mar, 29 2018

~Our daily lives can, at times take a toil on us. If we’re employed and managing quite a responsible job it’s essential that a creative outlet is utilized in order to maintain peace and contentment.

Rachel Joyner has been running her Red Kite School of Thai and Kickboxing for a while now. Recently however she has found the heavy burden of training people to become better equipped at self defence and has since invested some considerable time into painting to help her wind down.

This soon followed into a business venture and since early March the shop ‘Rachel Joyner - Art and Upcycled Furniture’ has found a permanent basis on Garstang Road. Ideally it’s designed to attract local creatives and people who are knowledgeable about art. Rachel expresses these words about the informal atmosphere upon entering and her real hopes for the shop,

“I’ll be painting or upcycling in the shop most days when I’m open. I want people to feel free to pop in and have a look at what’s going on. I’m hoping other artists will come in with a sketch book, and have a sketch and a natter.”

When you browse round the shop you will see Rachel’s extensive use of watercolour pencils and acrylics in her work. In addition she makes effective use of chalk paints, original hand-painted bespoke art work and decoupage for her upcycling projects. It’s also an assured platform for new and up and coming artists as both Rebecca Freear and Christine Wilson will showcase their work. Preston based tattooist, Stuart Nellas will exhibit his unique collection of work from now until the end of April (2018)

The shop also sells smaller products such as mugs and cushions. Rachel takes commissions and can create murals, pet portraits and wedding packages. For children, craft workshops will take place on Mondays and during school holidays for those aged 7 and under. For adults, workshops for beginners and the “artistically challenged” will begin soon.

The shop, which is at 24 Garstang Road on the corner of Kenmure Place, is open as follows:

Monday 11am – 2pm
Tuesdays 12pm – 2pm
Wednesdays 12pm – 2pm
Thursday 11am – 2pm
Friday 12.30pm – 2pm
Saturday 11am – 2pm

Find out more on the RJ Arts website or Facebook.

^Alex Ashworth