Matt Ewart, West End artist has a new approach to showing his work, which involves encouraging local publicans, shopkeepers and restaurateurs to turn their pubs, shops and restaurants into galleries. Matt firmly believes that Art can add a new and interesting dimension to these establishments and the artists can also benefit, as the number of people who can view and buy their work is increased. His approach "brings art out of the galleries and closer to the people".

When you are out drinking and dining in the West End you will see evidence that this idea can work. Colin Beattie, Proprietor of the Lismore and keen promoter of the arts has a private collection of Matt's work and his work is shown frequently in the Nancy Smillie Gallery. Originals can also be seen at Bonhams, The Lansdowne Restaurant and Blades' hairdresser. In fact, the second floor of the newly refurbished Bonhams has been referred to as "the unofficial Byres Road Gallery of Modern Art" (Scottish Licenced Trade News. (Sept.1.2000)
Everyone is welcome to the Exhibition at Bonhams, Byres Road on 15th October, 6.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.

The two paintings above, Blue Curve and Pablova, can be seen at Bonhams together with the two below: All at Sea and Ruth in Blue.

Matt is enthusiastic about getting other artists involved in the promotion of West End Art and has many innovative and ambitious ideas. Apart from his painting he also organises arts events and is editor of 'Skinklin Star' http://www.arts.gla.ac.uk/Skinklin-Star/ The Scottish Poetry and Visual Arts Broadsheet backed by the University of Glasgow and local sponsors. The aim of this project is: "to present the light of known Scots writers and artists and to bring unknown light into the unknown". Hence the name Skinklin - a Scots word meaning glinting and gleaming.

In The Lansdowne, Lansdowne Crescent, Kelvinbridge you can see: Hebridean and The Secret Rose

Cherie in Red Hat can be seen in Blades, Hairdressers, 3 White Street, off Byres Road.

Matt is going to be teaching art at Partick Annexe, Stewartville Street from the end of October - anyone interested in going along to these free classes (afternoons or evenings) Contact: Arthur or Sheila at: 0141 357 6747

Contact
If you want to find out more about Matt's work and ideas, or if you would like to contribute to Skinklin Star, you can contact him at: e-mail [email protected]/Skinklin-Star/