PICTURES:Inverness art gallery and shop One of a Kind in Eastgate moves to bigger unit after successful first lease
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AN Inverness artist and business owner has moved her shop and gallery in the city centre to bigger premises after a successful start of her activity.
Contemporary artist Louise Innes (56), moved into the former Argos shop in September last year with her new gallery and art shop One of a Kind, is now moving next door to a bigger unit with a new lease of one year.
Ms Innes, a graduate in Contemporary and contextualised art at UHI Inverness, saw said she was 'humbled' by the success of the shop, which became very popular despite the closures around Inverness city centre.
She said: "I have only done this for eight months, but all the customers wanted it to continue so we have managed to get a new, bigger unit next door, and we'll have this for another year.
"I never expected it to have the success it had, it's very humbling and the support has been overwhelming.
"Our gallery is unique in that it promotes and sells only local artists and makers work which has the knock on effect of helping other local businesses such as printers and framers.
"Being an artist myself, I realise how little opportunities there are to showcase and sell your art and still make a profit. So, when I was given the amazing opportunity from Eastgate to have the Gallery I wanted to share my fortune with some of the amazing, local artists I have long admired.
"It also promotes UHI and shows how students can go on after their courses and succeed.
"Frank To, who was a lecturer at my course and has really motivated me, has kindly agreed to let me sell one of his amazing works to support my gallery.
"A large part of the course was geared around giving students the tools and the confidence to become a professional artist post degree. Up until that point I simply enjoyed my academic studying, art and being around creative people, and had never thought of taking art up professionally."
Before re-discovering art, Ms Innes spent 25 years working in the banking sector. After taking a redundancy package and a year out to spend more time with her family, she rediscovered art and decided to go back to university and embark in art studies.
She said: "I think my background in banking really helped me in making this business work. Now we also mentor and help artists and makers who are trying to break through and start their own business.
"It is very satisfying seeing both their artwork and products improve, however more importantly seeing their confidence and business acumen improve also."
Eastgate Centre manager, Jackie Cuddy, said: “We are delighted to be able to support local artists by working in partnership with Louise Innes, contemporary artist. One of a Kind gallery has been a great point of difference for the Centre’s visitors offering unique local arts and crafts.
"Louise has created an amazing gallery space which gives a beautiful outlet for local artists and Eastgate are proud to be part of this. Shopping local and supporting local traders is of paramount importance at this time.”
