The Maker Space, operated by Spennymoor Town Council in the Bob Abley Gallery at Spennymoor Town Hall, is designed to serve as a ‘vibrant, inclusive hub’ for creativity and artistic exploration.
Debbie Connell, community and culture manager and curator, said: “This new creative space forms part of the council’s ongoing investment in the arts and culture.
“Historically, Spennymoor is a town that has inspired artists, and we want that to continue.
“We want to make creativity and art accessible to everyone.
“The Bob Abley Art Gallery is at the heart of the town’s artistic life, and the Maker Space builds on that reputation by offering a flexible, practical environment for people to come together, experiment and learn.”
The space is open to all, including hobbyists, professional artists, families, schools, children, community groups, and visiting artists-in-residence.
It is equipped with a wide range of art materials such as paints, pencils, pens, paper, and easels, making it a welcoming environment for anyone interested in exploring their creativity.
Liz Maddison, Spennymoor’s town mayor, said: “We want to break down barriers – barriers to work, opportunity, training or creativity.
“This area is not just for talented established artists or students, it’s for everyone who wants to give art a try.
“Whether you’re painting for the first time, writing creatively, refining skills or running a workshop, the Maker Space is here to help.”
The Maker Space also supports the gallery’s artist-in-residence programme, providing visiting artists with the resources and space to develop new projects while engaging with the public.
The council hopes this environment will encourage artistic collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and mentorship opportunities.
Jayne Blacklock, the first artist to use the new space, said: “This is a great space to be creative and engage and have fun with art.
“The light is fantastic, it is well stocked with materials and who couldn’t fail to be inspired by the amazing work hanging around the Bob Abley Gallery?
“It is so important to have a location where youngsters and people can come and explore their creativity, hone their talent or just give art a try.
“I can’t wait to come back and maybe even do some classes here.
“Spennymoor Town Council must be applauded for its ongoing commitment to helping people access art and harnessing it to inspire people’s imaginations.”
The gallery is also encouraging schools and youth groups to use the space, with plans for community groups to host workshops and sessions in the creative setting.
The Bob Abley Art Gallery already enjoys a reputation for showcasing local, regional and nationally renowned artists.
With the addition of the Maker Space, it now offers a hands-on environment for art-making alongside its exhibitions.
The Maker Space is open during the gallery’s normal hours, with bookings for groups and workshops available through the gallery office.
Drop-in visitors are welcome when the space is not pre-booked.
Ms Connell said: “This is about sparking creativity and giving people the tools and a warm, safe space they need to express themselves.
“We are excited to see how the community makes this space their own.”
