The artist behind Southport’s newest art gallery says he is “blown away” by support from people to the grand opening.
International award-winning artist John Charles, dubbed the Scouse Van Gogh for his bold use of vibrant colour and his unique approach to art, opened the doors to his own private gallery – Gallery Artist John Charles – on Friday (7th February 2025) on Union Street in Southport town centre.
He is part of a growing arts and culture scene in Southport, which has recently seen other ventures opening in recent weeks including the Clare Wright Art Gallery on Lord Street, The Grant Searl & The Northerner Art Gallery in Wayfarers Arcade and The Fool on West Street.
John Charles said: “We did it! The gallery officially opened its doors on Friday night!
“I’m struggling to put into words how incredible the night was. The gallery was packed to the rafters!
“The messages of support have been nothing but beautiful, honestly it’s blown me away.
“To each and every person who came along on Friday night, and those who have sent messages, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
“I’m going to take some time over the weekend to reflect on last night, the last seven months building up to it… and then back in the studio Monday morning working on our next collection for the Monaco Formula 1 GP in May.
“Once again, thank you.”
John Charles, from Liverpool, has been a professional artist since 2019.
Opening this new art gallery in Southport represents the fulfilment of a long-time dream for the artist who credits his love of art with providing him with an outlet for his creativity while battling drink and drug addiction.
Now with more than a decade sober and having turned his hobby into his full-time career, selling artwork to collectors all over the globe, John saw an opportunity to transform a former shop in the seaside town into Gallery Artist John Charles.
He said: “Owning my own gallery has been a dream for years now and from the moment my wife and I saw this space we knew it would be perfect. I’ve been lucky enough to work with galleries before and they’ve really boosted my profile and career, but I’m now excited to do things my own way with Gallery Artist John Charles.”
The artist, his wife and business manager, Jen have carefully designed the space to create an area which not only showcases to collectors John’s work but also offers a space for him to sit down with them, have a coffee and just talk.
John said: “Art is an amazing medium for communication but one of the biggest privileges I have as an artist is for my work to become part of people’s homes and lives. With the gallery we sought to create a space that would allow us to properly meet the people who buy or commission my work and to share a conversation.
“We have big plans for the studio space within the gallery too. It will provide a space for me to continue my project work with local councils and Motiv8 who look after kids and young adults with special education needs and disabilities.”
The artist however is also looking to help more people in Merseyside and beyond to discover or rediscover their creative side by running immersive paint and date classes, although the artist highlights they are as much for friends and family as they are for couples. These classes will offer attendees the chance to unleash their creative side in a private studio with guidance from the artist.
In addition to his new gallery John Charles will continue his longstanding partnerships with galleries in the Middle East including Qube Art Gallery and ftNFT Phygital Gallery but UK collectors will only be able to get his work directly via his website or the new Southport gallery which will be open to the public on Fridays and via appointment, Sunday to Thursday.
For more details about Artist John Charles visit: www.artistjohncharles.com
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