A NEW gallery has opened in Llandysul.

Oriel Haywire has opened on Llandysul’s King Street by artist Sue Dewhurst, in the street’s Bradford House.

Sue has 30 years of art experience and wants her gallery to be bright and cheerful and full of laughter.

She said: “Having returned to Wales two years ago, my partner Dave and I fell in love with Llandysul, we immediately saw the potential of siting our gallery here in this welcoming town steeped in history, with beautiful river walks, great cafes and pubs, the Paddlers and of course the famous Cariad Glass art emporium across the road and Acord Studio adjacent.

Tivyside Advertiser: Sue Dewhurst.Sue Dewhurst. (Image: Sue Dewhurst)

“I wanted to put down roots and concentrate on my own practice, when this unit came up, in such a characterful building, I jumped at the chance.

“A lot is said about the death of the high street in the press these days and the economic downturn is a daunting time to launch a new venture.

Tivyside Advertiser: Inside Oriel Haywire.Inside Oriel Haywire. (Image: Sue Dewhurst)

“I have confidence that this is a fantastic time to bring something a little different to the art world, more of a down to earth approach rather than purely a commercial gallery. I think people want something where they can call in and chat, book to do workshops but also participate in a more immediate way too.

“I don’t like galleries where there is a hushed atmosphere, I want raucous laughter and music. I want people who have never set foot in a gallery before to pop in.”

Tivyside Advertiser: Part of the cartoon relay. Part of the cartoon relay. (Image: Sue Dewhurst)

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Sue currently has two cartoon relays going on, one in English and one in Welsh. Visitors of all ages can add the next bit of the story and once the sketch books are complete, she hopes to get them printed, turning all participants into illustrators and authors.

The gallery displays Sue’s paintings from her Rural Lives collection, which highlights agricultural heritage and the Owd Lasses, which highlights sassy, strong older women in society who say it how it is.

Oriel Haywire is open between 10am and 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday and also displays eco jewellery, ceramic, repurposed bicycle art, metalwork and fused glass.