ARTIST EXHIBITION: Cemetery chapel in Watford to host creative talent

Watford Borough Council and local artist Amma Gyan are re-imagining the chapel at Vicarage Road Cemetery into a creative space where local artists can originate and exhibit their work.

The foyer of the 162-year-old stone chapel will be adapted to provide a contemporary creative space called ‘Amanartis at the Chapel’ for artists and art societies in the local area. 

The council’s aim is to enrich cultural activity and opportunity for all and, in doing so, amplify Watford’s profile as a dynamic place to experience home-grown creative talent and develop artistic careers. 

The chapel gallery will work with artists, local schools and community groups to host a variety of exhibitions and sessions such as painting, photography, textiles and mixed media. 

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said “Local people care deeply about Watford’s unique heritage, we want to celebrate it more visibly and the new space will provide a perfect opportunity to do so. It will also give the community a social space and help remove the feeling of isolation which is essential for everyone’s general wellbeing. 

“As part of the upcoming programme, they will also host artist talks and demonstrations, taster sessions and community engagement events and I am really pleased to support this great initiative for the area.”

Local artist Amma Gyan of Ghanaian origin, who came to Watford from East London 10 years ago, will be running the creative space said: “Watford has an amazing vibrant and creative community with lots of organisations supporting artists in so many ways – with Amanartis I wanted to build on that and create a place that supports people along their creative journey.

“Whatever paths they may have taken from markets and self-taught novices to graduates, the intention is to act as a space that nurtures and meets the need for many through creative opportunities, collaboration and exploration.”

This quality creative space is perfect for artists to exhibit and create their work and provides local residents of all ages the chance to see an array of excellent quality artwork without having to travel into London.

To find out more, including how the space is COVID-19 secure, email hello@amanartis.co.uk, call 07968 783 760 or visit amanartis.co.uk.