ARTISTS, celebrities and residents gathered to celebrate the launch of a new Chester art gallery.

Art Box has officially launched and now provides a professional gallery setting for talented people from the local community who are looking to display and sell their artwork.

The gallery was officially opened by Ainsley Harriott and more than 50 artists and locals attended the launch event.

On display was a wide range of artwork and attendees were treated to a glass of fizz and canapes.

The new gallery, located at 96 Boughton, offers a wide range of pieces including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, photographs and more. More than 20 local artists are now displaying their collections, giving them an affordable and professional setting to raise their profile and sell their work.

Art Box is officially opened in Chester, with Ainsley Harriott in attendance.

Art Box is officially opened in Chester, with Ainsley Harriott in attendance.

Liz Dunning, the Art Box Gallery art co-ordinator and curator, said: “It was a fabulous evening and great to see so much support for the venture. We are now looking to build on this launch and provide retail space for Chester’s talented artists to display their work and gain recognition for their talent.”

Art Box is supported by a group of local businesspeople who want to help local artistic talent. Known as ‘patrons’, these individuals support the gallery both financially and through using their business network and connections to both promote the gallery and increase the awareness of The Art Box Gallery.

Rick Nieto, who lives in Chester and is one of the gallery patrons, said: “It’s fantastic to see such positive support for the young and emerging artists. It can be hard for emerging talent to find a platform to share their pieces, but this initiative removes that obstacle and helps provide a revenue stream for their work.”

Art Box is situated at 96 Boughton, Chester (opposite Waitrose, Evans Cycles and HSL). The gallery aims to attract emerging artists of all levels whether they’re an A-level Art or degree student or someone who is looking for a professional space to display their pieces of art.