Trip to Ikea inspries poetry, artwork and a stained glass window

Knottingley artist Barbara Smith is turning a poem into a 16-panel stained glass window at a new art gallery in Pontefract.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/YWNG - 30/07/15 - Press - Barbara Smith Stained Glass Window - Tyke Modern Gallery, Pontefract, England - Barbara Smith works on another piece of stained glass for the window project.Picture by Allan McKenzie/YWNG - 30/07/15 - Press - Barbara Smith Stained Glass Window - Tyke Modern Gallery, Pontefract, England - Barbara Smith works on another piece of stained glass for the window project.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/YWNG - 30/07/15 - Press - Barbara Smith Stained Glass Window - Tyke Modern Gallery, Pontefract, England - Barbara Smith works on another piece of stained glass for the window project.

Ms Smith is working on the piece which will be installed at fellow artist Brian Lewis’ gallery above the Elite Training Systems Yorkshire (ETSY) shop, on Cornmarket.

She said: “Initially I first contacted Brian about two or three months ago to see if there is any way we can work together.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“What he came up with was the idea of the stained glass window which is made up of 16-panels.”

Mr Lewis teamed with ETSY to open the gallery in April.

He has installed an art exhibition featuring work from Yorkshire artists and photographers.

Ms Smith said: “I had written a poem about a Ikea. It was just a bit daft really and I called it ‘A trip for Swedish meatballs.’

“Then I drew the pictures to go with it and Brian wanted to transfer it into a stained glass window.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As part of the project, Mr Lewis said he hopes to inspire budding entrepreneurs.

He said: “This new project isn’t just an art gallery, it is going to be a place where people can learn about the arts.

“It is also a place where people can find out more entrepreneurship and I want it to be a hub for those aged under 30.”

Mr Lewis said he wants to hear from people across the area who want to get involved with the project.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The exhibition features artwork from artists across Yorkshire.

He said: “The main aim is for people to be able to come and leave with something on their CVs but it’s all at an early stage and I’m not quite sure how it’ll work out yet.”

For more information on the project or if you would like to get involved call Mr Lewis on 01977 793121 or email [email protected]