CORNER Gallery artist in residence and owner Kay Dower is urging support for York artists and crafts makers this festive season.

“Buy something truly original that will give you joy all year round, not just for Christmas," says Kay, who moved her York gallery from Scarcroft Road – now housing the Walter & May gift shop – to around the "corner" at her home at 2, Telford Terrace.

Kay made the switch in April and the new Corner Gallery is now well established with art throughout the downstairs area of Kay’s Victorian house.

The walls confidently display original paintings sitting beside photography, prints and 3D artworks. "People enjoy seeing how artworks can look in a real home setting, complete with sofa and coffee table," she says. "They also enjoy seeing pictures in unusual corners, such as above door frames or propped up in clusters for a relaxed look."

Kay continues: "You can never be too young or too old to start your art collection, as long you love what you choose and it makes you happy. And you don’t have to spend a fortune. We have framed mini-prints for £15, which make great stocking fillers or look fun in a cluster."

Look out for the stylish black-and-white photography of York landmarks by Julie Whelan, framed from £65; original oil paintings of seascapes and landscapes by Kate Pettitt, and the ever-popular retro paper-cut book art of Claire Morris. A capsule collection of ceramics by Emily Stubbs is on display too, priced at £45 to £85.

Kay’s own acrylic paintings of York landmarks feature both Bishopthorpe Road’s Christmas lights and summer bunting; Scarcroft School; City Screen cinema in Coney Street; the former Terry’s chocolate factory and rooftop York Minster views, plus still-life paintings to "enliven any kitchen wall", from tomatoes to trifle, lemons to limes. Limited-edition prints are available of many of these paintings.

Corner Gallery is encouraging the "shop local" motto this Christmas. "There seems to be a really positive push towards 'shopping local'. People are making a considered effort to buy something unique, something original, made by local artists. These are items to enjoy long after the festivities are over," says Kay.

Consequently, Corner Gallery will be kicking off the festive season with a "Mulling Over Local Art" weekend from today until Sunday, 11am to 6pm each day.

"This is a chance to peruse York art, start your Christmas shopping or add to your own wish list. There will be mulled wine to sip while mulling over the art and a few sweet treats too," says Kay.

Complimentary gift wrapping for all purchases will be provided during the festive open weekend “All wrapping will be in recyclable brown paper from Pextons Hardware, in Bishy Road, with a few hand-adorned arty touches."says Kay.

Aside from this weekend's event, Corner Gallery is open every Friday from 11am to 6pm and on the first weekend of each month, Saturday and and Sunday, 11am to 5pm, or by appointment by contacting Kay on 07973 656717 or emailing hello@cornergallery.art. Art is available 24 hours a day online at cornergallery.art.

Looking ahead to 2019, Kay will be showing her paintings as part of York Open Studios in April 2019, when she will share her Corner Gallery space with Claire Morris's enigmatic paper-cut book art.

Charles Hutchinson