The Shoal of Brixham Artists has had a very busy year, both as a group and independently with four of its members opening galleries!

Nicky Stevenson has joined forces with fellow Shoal member Chris Slack and launched, amidst great excitement, The Slack Stevenson Gallery in Middle Street, Brixham. The gallery shows Nicky’s colourful, humorous paintings, her sense of the ridiculous ever present, and the atmospheric, powerful, evocative photographs by Chris. Works by fellow Shoal members John Gillo, Derek Hayward and Julia Finzel can also be seen. The gallery has a programme of featured artists planned for 2009, the first of which starts on 26th March –30th April and features Julia Finzel and Ceramics by Abigail North.

Monica Gamble has opened a working studio, ”New Quay Art Studio” in Brixham. Monica can be found working in her cosy studio and exhibits her own coastal and sea oil and watercolour paintings, executed with passion and atmosphere. Throughout the year she plans to show work by guest artists from the South West.

Pru Preston has worked on murals commissioned by both private and commercial clients. She has also been busy showing work at Brixham Art and Craft Market on Saturday and Totnes Market on Tuesday throughout the season.

Lynne Peets has, with both locals and visitors alike, made quite a name for herself with her colourful watercolour paintings of Brixham’s quirky characters. She can be found, in the summer months painting and selling her work on Brixham Harbour side and at Brixham Art and Craft Market.

Derek Hayward is the fourth Shoal member to open a gallery! Derek has acquired “Cockington Gallery”, Cockington Court, Torquay. He is delighted to be able to show a greater range of his stunning original Dichroic Glass pictures alongside his wonderful jewellery. The sea and movement of waves being their inspiration. They glisten, shine, sparkle and colours change as the viewer and light move around them.

John Gillo, famous for his beautiful watercolour works, has, more recently been using acrylic paints to create imagery of local scenes with deep tones, full of atmosphere and pathos. He has also had a lot of fun painting more abstract pieces of hillside towns, these have some rather unexpected figures appearing in them! John can be found throughout the season on Dartmouth Market on Tuesdays and Fridays in The Old Market Square.

Julia Finzel, artist, print-maker and photographer now has a studio in St.Mary’s Yard, Horsepool Street, Brixham, from which, she continues to paint (many images are available in Limited Edition), and undertake photographic commissions including Documentary Photography, Portraiture of people and animals, Still Life and Landscape Photography. Julia’s recent exhibitions include “Taccuino per un Viaggio” (an exhibition of hand made books), a solo exhibition in Venice, Birdwood House, Totnes and The Palace Theatre, Paignton. She also teaches photography, painting and print making at South Devon College.

The Shoal has it’s permanent home at The Breakwater Coffee Shop and Bistro, Berry Head Road, Brixham. With its panoramic views across the bay it is a wonderful setting for art. The Shoal can often be found there, having a coffee or sampling the chef’s delicious food!

Brixham Art and Craft Market starts on April 11th , many of The Shoal can be found there on Saturdays from 9am- 5pm, with many other artists and craft makers. Hope to see you there!