Hub Staff

There has been a lot happening recently at the Southampton Arts Centre, formerly known as the Southampton Art School & Gallery.

One of the big changes is that the entrance to the Centre has moved from its former location on the south side of Southampton's historic Town Hall, to the north side and is now on High Street. Gallery Director, April Patry hopes it will make the Centre more visible, giving visitors easier access.

The building is shared by the Southampton Visitors Centre, which, as you enter the building, is now up the stairs and on the right. The Southampton BIA also shares the space.

A new sign for the Centre is being created by GW Signs of Southampton, which Party said could be ready as early as next week.

Historically, the gallery sees about 10,000 visitors annually with the Southampton Visitors Centre receiving 9,000. Patry is curious to see if the gallery will now see more people through their doors, who decide to look around after stopping at the Visitors Centre.

Another big change is the layout inside of the gallery, which included taking down a wall and removing five doors so as to give the gallery a more open feel and better lighting. Patry praised the Southampton Rotary Club for spending two full days painting the walls inside gallery.

She also gave praise to the Southampton BIA who have decided to leave their board room door open to be used as extra gallery space.

The Southampton Arts Centre will be having a grand opening for the start of their Christmas in the Gallery on Thursday, November 19. Christmas in the Gallery will then run until December 28 and will feature 20 guest artisans and offer unique artwork and gifts including jewellery, pottery, home decor, glass, textiles, metal work and ornaments.

The Centre will also host an Open House from 6 to 8 p.m. On Sparkles night, Thursday, November 26.