A former bridal shop in Beaumont has been transformed into a new contemporary gallery offering exhibitions, workshops, and therapeutic sessions thanks to a former teacher who is hoping to support local charities through her new endeavour.
Founded in January by former art teacher and multidisciplinary artist Dawn Burrows, The Colour Rooms aims to offer a platform for artists to showcase their work and a place for people to engage with art in different ways.
The Director of the gallery, which is located at the former Anna Trigg bridal shop next to the filter-in-turn, explained that she hopes to support local creatives while making art “more accessible for buyers and artists”.
She explained that the gallery will host monthly exhibitions focusing on different artists, while also offering consultancy and commission services, courses and support for portfolios, and group activities ‘Drink and Draw’ and ‘Pour and Paint’.
Express caught up with Dawn to learn more about her journey, the inspiration behind The Colour Rooms, and what visitors can expect from the new space…
Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself, your background, and your career journey?
I studied art at Camberwell Art College eventually specialising in sculpture for my degree.
Returning to Jersey, I embarked on a teaching career eventually becoming Head of Art, Textiles and Photography in three island secondary schools.
I also led a behaviour inclusion unit and became pastoral lead ahead of the year, all of the time realising the power art had to help young people cope with their emotions and benefit their mental health.
This led to me taking a qualification at The Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education in London and offering more therapeutic arts sessions.
What has the response to The Colour Rooms been like so far?
“We have had a fantastic response people love the positive warm feeling that the colour palette in the interior provides, on our opening evening a lady commented that coming in was like walking into a warm hug!
What inspired you to open this gallery, and why did you choose this particular space?
The interior colour scheme of sage greens and dusty pinks gives a great background to showcase the work of over 20 artists that we currently have exhibiting at the moment in our opening Colour One Exhibition which runs until 28 February.
We have our first solo exhibition by artist Robert Allen opening on Friday 28 February.
Robert was one of my first students at Le Rocquier School 30 years ago and it is significant to showcase a former student’s work in my new gallery as the first solo exhibition.
All of Robert’s paintings have been created as a new body of work specifically for this show entitled ‘The Tide Arrives’.
As a teacher and artist, I am passionate about passing on my skills to inspire others
Dawn burrows
Not only do we have Robert’s work going up in February, but we are also raising money for the Jersey Heart Support Group by auctioning a painting of a heart which I have created called ‘My Blossoming Heart’.
Having lost a friend in the summer and my father at an early age to heart issues, I want to make sure that The Colour Rooms is a platform to raise awareness through art to support local charities.
I was inspired to open this gallery to provide a group of contemporary local artists a place to sell with a reasonable commission as many local artists have not been able to find a suitable platform, to showcase their work.
It is lovely to be able to support four of my ex-students in this venture.
I also wanted to provide a space for people to come and learn how to paint in a safe and non-threatening environment. As a teacher and artist, I am passionate about passing on my skills to inspire others.
The Colour Rooms also supports new craftworkers and we have some beautiful candles, pottery, jewellery and other handmade gifts available to buy again giving new creators a space to promote themselves.
The space at Beaumont caught my eye with its large windows. At the time last summer, I had no intention of opening a gallery. However, after driving past and seeing the for lease sign and stepping into the space it felt like home. Immediately, I could visualise the artwork inside.
How has your experience of teaching art shaped the way you approach this new venture?
Art connects people and my experience of teaching art and the healing power of art has shaped how I want The Colour Rooms to be as an accessible space for people to discover their own creativity and feel supported to develop their own personal style.
Creativity thrives in a secure supportive space.
Can you tell us a bit more about the workshops and art sessions offered at The Colour Rooms?
We offer acrylic painting, mixed media, drawing and watercolour classes. They are suitable for all levels. We also offer therapeutic art sessions and 1:1 lessons.
In March we will have our first series of Spring Sunday workshops covering a range of skills including collage, bead making, embroidery and botanical illustration.
How can art play an important role in mental well-being?
Following the covid lockdowns, the power of art in supporting positive mental health became very evident.
The Neuroarts Blueprint is a worldwide study on the impact of the arts on positive brain function and the scientific data now underlies the impact that being in a creative environment, looking at art and making art can make positive new connections in the brain.
Creativity thrives in a secure supportive space
Dawn burrows
Art also brings people together socially and helps combat social isolation and loneliness. The Colour Rooms is a creative welcoming community which supports positive engagement in the arts to improve mental health and wellbeing.
Your gallery spotlights a different artist each month. How do you select the artists, and what can visitors look forward to?
As well as ex-student Robert Allen in March, we have a three-generation family exhibition in May and later a solo portrait exhibition and a very personal showcase of an artist’s journey through prostate cancer treatment and his response to this.
The exhibitions are diverse connecting communities and social issues to art in a range of subject matter.
How does the Art Match consultancy service work?
Art Match consultancy helps to match people looking for a particular piece of art for their home or office space to an artist. We can measure the space and provide bespoke commissions.
If someone wants to join a class or book a consultation, what’s the best way to get started?
People can contact us through our website, social media or by email – thecolourrooms.art@gmail.com if they are interested in finding a bespoke piece of art for their home or workspace, would like to join a course or workshop or to get in touch if they would like to have an exhibition.
What do you hope people take away from visiting your gallery?
I really hope that people will feel that when they have visited The Colour Rooms they are inspired by the beautiful, paintings and craftwork that are on display and it may inspire and reignite a passion in them to engage with their own art practice and take a course or a 1:1 session.
“There is something for everyone here and we can provide bespoke Paint and Pour and Drink and Draw evening events to get creative juices flowing for groups, corporates, special occasions or just a fun get-together evening with friends with a creative twist.
