Southampton’s Tiniest Art Gallery was officially opened to the public at the weekend.
The transformed disused noticeboard is now a colourful beacon of inspiration.
Although ‘tiny’ by name and nature, a microscope is not needed to see the important message behind it, according to Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Valerie Laurent.
Cllr Laurent, who unveiled the Bedford Place gallery on Saturday, said: “I am stunned.
“It is fabulous, especially with regard to people’s concerns with nature at the moment.
“The artistry and imagination of the board is fantastic.”
Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Valerie Laurent, right, opening the gallery (Image: Newsquest)
The gallery, otherwise known as STAG (Southampton's Tiniest Art Gallery), is a pop of pink that peeps out from the railings of the nearby car park.
It forms part of a series of exciting projects supported by BePoRa, the Bedford Place & Polygon's Residents Association.
STAG was opened during the annual Bedford Place Summer Festival, which had drawn a very large crowd.
READ MORE: Southampton's Tiniest Art Gallery is set to open next month
Cllr Laurent said: “Bedford Place is a great area with a community of its own.
“I think this fabulous day and festival is great and I am delighted to be here to open the gallery.
“It’s very special indeed.
“I think other areas will benefit from STAG and the idea of something like this.
The art on display currently in the gallery is titled the Litter Bugs Collection – a ‘conceptual reflection’ on our ‘out of sight, out of mind’ way of living.
The artist, Not Just Trash, wanted to highlight litter tipping and the loss of valuable commodities.
Discussing the artwork on display itself, Cllr Laurent said: “It brings attention to the need to recycle better.
“We throw away too much and I think that’s bad.
“People should use their imaginations and see what they can do in their area.
“Even if you’re not an artist, get someone who can do this and make something special. It’s very important.”
Exhibitions at the gallery will run on a two-month revolving basis.
They are set to include drawing, painting, collage, graphic design, illustration embroidery, photography, poetry, or anything experimental.
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