‘Future: Unknown’ may sound a bit dubious and slightly confusing but I’m referring to Oxfam Gallery’s final exhibition in Salisbury. The exhibition is sadly the last for the art venue which will be closing in March 2012. Young artists from The Unit, an independent, non-political social enterprise which aims to encourage a sense of agency in young people, will demonstrate in this last exhibition the future of art in Salisbury. Since its opening in 2008, volunteers of the gallery have worked with local artists to highlight emerging talent from the surrounding areas. Unfortunately Oxfam only makes a small amount of commission from the work sold by artists and this alone is not enough to keep the gallery running.
This final exhibition celebrates young talent which is explored in a wide range of media, from photography and large scale painting to graffiti art and giant origami sculpture. The fifteen young artists taking part in the exhibition range in age from thirteen to nineteen. They had to successfully pass a selection panel before their work was displayed in the exhibition, highlighting the strong competition and quality of the work that was put forward. Alongside the work of the young artists, two local graphic artists, Nich Angell and Stew Taylor, will be exhibiting their work. Angell and Taylor have worked with The Unit before, notably in their organisation of a 24-hour comic book challenge, where they each had to complete a graphic comic book- a page every hour, all in the name of charity.
This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get involved in the local art scene, as Heather Minto, Project Manager at The Unit has stated: ‘We work with some extremely talented young people and this will be an excellent platform for them to showcase their work. At the same time however, it is tinged with sadness that such a community spirited gallery is to close.’ Despite the fact that this is the last exhibition, it is enlightening to see the opportunity has been provided for young people to showcase their work within the local opportunity, and to get recognition for their talent. The exhibition will be running until the 25th February and is one not to miss. Go along to support local artists presenting their work for a worthy cause, and you may even be tempted to purchase something from this young yet talented group. The gallery is located at the Oxfam Art Gallery, Catherine Street, Salisbury. The gallery is open 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday and entry is free. For more information take a look at salisburyoxfam.org.uk.
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