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What If Gallery

67/69 High St, Dartford, United Kingdom
Community/government

Description

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Voluntarily run Artist space in the heart of Dartford, Kent. A diamond in the rough. We aim to encourage the Arts and Artists in all it's diversity, and to provide an outlet for creative community involvement, whilst seeking to encourage an appreciative audience.

What If...? Gallery was opened in February 2006 when an opportunity was realized that buildings awaiting redevelopment would be an ideal venue for artists to display their work/craft. The developers kindly agreed to lease the buildings to us for a peppercorn rent until the development begins. As an artists co-operative it is hoped that volunteers will man the building on an unpaid basis and in return they may display their work free of charge.

With the kind support of the Holy Trinity Church, Dartford) we are able to offer opportunities to all aspects of art and craft and the artists themselves.

We welcome any volunteer - or contributions of time or money, to enable us to remain open to artists/craftspeople and give them the opportunity of exhibiting their works at a low cost.





The unique What if ...? Gallery project was conceived in 2006 by Peter Harper and a couple of highly 'Arts positive' people who wanted to ensure that Dartford did not become a ghost town whilst the redevelopment works were progressing in the town centre. We can now look forward to Dartford once more becoming a thriving market town where people can come to shop and of course, browse in our gallery. The project at this time wholly depends on volunteers who run the gallery on a day to day basis and who devote a lot of time to ensure that everything runs smoothly for the benefit of artists who wish to take part. Those volunteers are Chris and Sue Knight, Peter Shurmer, Jan Denney, Kerstin Muller, Ruth Howard, Ann Grey and Christine. Our website is managed by Lisa England. Richard Slater is our Resident Artist and can be seen most days at the What if...? Gallery, slaving over his hot easel.  

  
The project would not have happened without the aid of FIT Voices (Faith in their voices) a charity based at the Holy Trinity Church, Dartford. They underwrite the project by acting as guarantor for the lease and help with applications for grant funding. Our thanks go to Kevin for his continued support. We will continue to be a part of Dartford as long as St. James Investments continue to allow us to use their buildings and hope that once the redevelopment is complete there will be a dedicated Arts space for us in the town centre.

Sing and Sign Sessions
sing_and_sign
Come and join the original, award winning, small music group that helps you communicate with your baby before speech.
Please contact Jenette Hawkes on 01322522790 or 07958455699 or email jenettehawkes@singandsign.com for more information. There is also more information at their website www.singandsign.com and their Facebook page SingAndSignBexleyAndDartford.
Picture Framing Service

Anthony Elliott offers an independent picture framing service, providing hand finished frames of a high standard.
He is based at the What If…? Gallery and if you are a Friend of the Gallery, he will give you discount on any frames ordered.
Anthony is in the gallery most days and if you would like a price please pop in and see him or leave your details so that he can contact you.
There is more information on the other services we offer at the gallery on our Services page.
Calling All Art Students!

CONTACT

RECENT FACEBOOK POSTS

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Do pop into the gallery and view the work showing at the moment. Richard Slater volunteer and artist holds an oil painting class each Tuesday evening and the work achieved over the past year is now showing. If you would like to try oil painting do pop in and leave your details or look in on a Tuesday eve and have a chat with Richard. Photos of the work will be shown at the weekend.

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Photos from What If Gallery's post

The free Puppet show held in the gallery on Aug 13th was a great success with all parents and children. Some great puppets were made and the shadow puppetry was a possibility for kids to try at home. A good event for the gallery to hold in the future we hope.

Photos from What If Gallery's post
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ON TUESDAY AUG 16TH FROM 12 30 THE VISION ART GROUP WILL BE HOLDING AN ART SALE COMPRISING OF FRAMES, ART BOOKS AND ASSORTED BITS AND BOBS. ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE USED TO SUPPORT VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE. The vision art group use the WHAT IF..? to paint and sculpt once every month and are supported by our artists. THE VISION ART GROUP ARE SUPPORTED BY KENT ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND. If you enjoy art and painting please come along and support this amazing group and meet the wonderful artist Elly Elcombe.

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Timeline Photos

Join the Dartford Creative team in the What If…? Gallery on Saturday 13th August for a FREE puppet making workshop. Just pop in between 11am and 1pm – no booking required! All ages welcome and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Timeline Photos
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Timeline Photos

Why not pop in and see the work this week?

Timeline Photos
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Photos from What If Gallery's post

Photos from What If Gallery's post
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Photos from What If Gallery's post

Some of the lovely art work done by the artists who come to our Tuesday afternoon group. Well done - a fantastic standard of work!

Photos from What If Gallery's post
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Timeline Photos

LIFE SESSION @ what if.... Wednesday 24th August 2016 from 6.30-9pm Come and join other artists for life drawing and painting. This is an untutored session and the cost is just £7.50 - but you must book a space beforehand. Just 3 places left!! 67-69 High Street Dartford DA1 1DJ

Timeline Photos
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Photos from What If Gallery's post

10th Anniversary Celebration

Photos from What If Gallery's post
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Photos from What If Gallery's post

Some lovely What If? girls

Photos from What If Gallery's post
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Photos from What If Gallery's post

10th Anniversary Evening

Photos from What If Gallery's post
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Photos from What If Gallery's post

10th Anniversary Evening

Photos from What If Gallery's post
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Quiz

NEAR What If Gallery