Major awards scoop for Michelle Payne and

At the end of last year – the final week of the year, Michelle Payne was pleased to receive a major award from The Waveney Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Suffolk County Council for regeneration and development. Not only this, but also receiving a highly recommended certificate for The Sunrise Coast Tourism awards, attended by the current Minister of Tourism and then a mention in the current Norfolk Magazine for wonderful places to visit in the Tour of Beccles.

‘Our gallery here at Beccles is one of the largest of its kind, with 15 rooms of everchanging art displays, and we have had recognition from all over the world. As it is run as a not-for-profit scheme, we have had some wonderful support from artists as well as the general public, most recently raising funds to update and maintain the gallery.

All of our staff are volunteers – and we hope to receive some funding support for training volunteers to prepare them for retail experience and the journey back into employment in 2011.

We have gained an accolade of 7 awards, making this one of the first rural multi-award winning venues, and with little financial support, yet overwhelming public footfall, this year will take its toll on the owner of the gallery to keep up with its popularity.

Further training is required, and changes are currently in place for the 2500 artists who are currently using the gallery space.

If you are a student, first time exhibitor or established artist who wold like to make use of the gallery spaces, group exhibitions are also welcome, textile/paintings/jewellery/pottery/giftware and more are accepted under the conditions you or a family member are responsible for producing the work. The ethos of the gallery is to ensure artists survival against cheaper non ethical trade and profit in retail outlets.

The Upstairs Gallery has been closed for repainting and is pleased to re-open the doors to the public. We welcome all visitors in 2011, and look forward to the future.

To contact the gallery please call 01502 717191 www.theupstairsgallery.co.uk If you would like to help or sponsor the artists and a main gallery show through your business, please contact 01502 717191

Exchange Square Beccles Suffolk NR34 9HH

The Courtyard, Main Cross Road, Greater Yarmouth, NR30 3NZ

www.theupstairsgallery.co.uk www.michellepayne.co.uk www.bigartgallery.co.uk

OPENING TIMES 10 – 4.30 Tues-Saturday Closed Sun and Monday only