THE ART MARKET BRINGING SPOTLIGHT TO LOCAL ARTISTS.

KING'S HEATH ART MARKET COULD BE THE GAME CHANGER FOR MANY.

Whenever you speak to an upcoming artist, try asking them what a major problem they are facing in their journey to the top of the Art mountain? A response you are lost likely to hear is, "How to get my art work out there."

See, the use of Social Media as a tool as had massive influence for Artists and anyone who's just looking to get themselves out the in general. But, for Artists like painters, sculptors, potters and more, social media doesn't provide the all mighty push to notoriety - even in its smallest form.

In person interaction and receiving valuable feedback - and not negative troll comments from anonymous users include one of the many positives that an Art Market provides. This sense of interaction and being able to display pieces of art work that have had hours invested in them is something that Organiser Graham Langley had in mind when the idea of setting up an art market sprung to mind.

"Not just in King's Heath, but in Birmingham as a whole, there needs to be more opportunity for people to present their work. Birmingham has got very very few Art galleries. Manchester - loads, Leeds - loads, London- loads. Birmingham, has got something like 3 or 4 proper galleries... and so that's why this is a lovely way to see our local art because even in the galleries its possibly not local artists." Graham Langley on the importance of the Art Market.

Organiser: Graham Langley

The Market which launched its first event at New Life Nursery School in Birmingham saw many Local Artists set up Stalls with tons of art pieces on display for anyone interested to interact with and best case scenario - even purchase a piece. From Paintings, Illustrations, Sculptures, Pottery work including vases, mugs and plates, the event proved to serve a multipurpose use for the Artists involved on the day. Firstly, serving as a gallery which many artists vie for, and also, serving as a marketplace for the artists and local community to socialise at which was very key to Graham when I briefly spoke to him amidst the marketplace bustle.

" I like meeting my audience. I used to be a performer, I used to be a story teller so I like meeting the audience. If i have something in the gallery- I'd never see anyone. But here, if they come and look at my work and talk and chat - maybe buy something, maybe not but that's all part of the process, engaging with the people who like my art." Graham.

There are hopes for the Market place to become a regular main stayer at King's Heath with the market continuing to be open for all local artists interested.