Four local artists are taking over a pop-up shop in Kendal from today, as part of the town’s scheme to make use of empty properties.
Multi-media artist and hairdresser Zoe Baker is taking over the shop on Finkle Street - opposite Beales, over the Easter holidays from the 21st March until the 2nd April.
She will be joined by artists Rachel Greenbank, Emma Haddow and Ann Davis.
They will be creating a gallery style gift shop, offering unique one off and limited edition items such as prints, gift cards, mugs and coaster sets, as well as Zoe Baker’s hand painted Westmorland slate.
Zoe will also be offering her exclusive feather hair extensions.
Zoe, who works from her studio in Kendal, is project/events manager for Kendal Arts Community, a cooperative which helps local artists and craftspeople promote and display their work around the South Lakeland area.
She painted the mural to brighten and rejuvenate the underpass beneath the Oxenholme to Windermere railway line between Castle Oval and Rusland Park, Kendal, which won a top community rail award.
She previously painted a mural in Kendal Hostel yard at the entrance to Brewery Arts.
South Lakeland District Council has come up with the idea to make use of empty shops while giving people who are considering going into retail a chance to test the water.
Kendal Mayor and SLDC Councillor Chris Hogg: “It is a fantastic idea, giving people the chance to trial retail without putting too much at risk and get feedback on their wares.
“It works well for the town too as people start to wonder what will be there next.
"With places like Abbot Hall, Brewery Arts and The Factory, it helps build a critical mass of places that attract people interested in the arts."
