AN AWARD-WINNING artist has thanked Andover BID as her art gallery in the town is celebrating its third anniversary, thanks to a rent-free initial period that helped her kick-start the studio.

Alex McGarry, a professional wildlife artist who specialises in oil paintings of British wildlife and birds, opened her studio in Andover in September 2019 when Andover BID and David Mellor Jewellers partnered up to offer and “exceptional opportunity” for a business to open in Andover town centre.

The partnership offered a rent-free period at the beginning of a lease of the former David Mellor Jewellers shop in Waterloo Court. The opportunity was snapped up by Alex.

Alex said: “This rent-free period was absolutely crucial in allowing me to set up a studio and art gallery.

“It gave me the breathing space to build up a following within the town centre and ‘get the ball rolling’. Without this opportunity my gallery simply wouldn’t be a reality. I am extremely grateful to both Andover BID and to David and Christine of David Mellor Jewellers.”

In 2019, she was awarded the prestigious title of Britain’s Best Up and Coming Artist of the Year by the Fine Art Trade Guild.

Several of her paintings have been published into limited edition prints and she is represented by the UK’s largest distributor of original art and fine art prints - De Montfort Fine Art.

Her paintings are found in galleries across the UK, including on board luxury cruise ships such as the Queen Mary II.  

Prior to September 2019, Alex painted at home in a studio that was not open to the public and had done so for the previous eight years. Whilst happy being a full-time artist, Alex had always dreamt of having her own gallery, open to the public. Three years on, Alex’s gallery is continuing to flourish and build year on year. 

Andover BID said it continues to support Alex and all the wonderful businesses in Andover town centre; from running events, engaging Town Rangers, marketing campaigns, supporting individual events with live social media videos and offering grants for shop front improvements.

Steve Godwin, BID manager, said: “We are proud to have been part of Alex McGarry’s success and to offer ongoing support.

“We are passionate about Andover town centre; Andover BID is there to encourage and support any business with a vision to succeed and develop in the town. We have many established and new independent businesses and are encouraging more to come to the town. It is easy to look around at bigger towns and cities, believing that they have something that we don’t, which although may be partly true in terms of cathedrals and large retail centres, but Andover has so many other benefits.

“It is convenient and accessible and provides opportunities for entrepreneurial people who want to succeed. People can come by car or train, and our bus station is in the town centre with the train station, just 10-minute walk. Alex McGarry has worked hard to develop the business, she is a wonderful addition to the town, and we wish her ongoing success.”