THE opening of a new art gallery in Southport town centre has gone “beyond our expectations” says the artist behind it. 

The new Clare Wright Art Gallery has opened on Lord Street, opposite The Grand. 

It is the acclaimed artist’s 1st ever art gallery, after a 20 year career which has seen her art sold all around the world. 

Lots of people called in for the opening event, including Marina Dalglish MBE. 

Talented local musician Sophie Boyd-Preece entertained visitors. 

Clare is currently raising funds for the Marina Dalglish Appeal by giving visitors the opportunity to win one of her sculpture ribbon artworks worth £960. People can view it in the window of the shop. 

She said:- “The response to our opening was more than our  expectations! We have a jelly baby art range which sold out over the weekend. Over 80 of our memory butterflies sold and a good mix of originals and print ranges sold. We were all very well entertained by the great Sophie and she also gained a couple of bookings while playing so this was perfect exposure for such a talent. Most importantly we were welcomed by existing and new clients. Our neighbours on Lord Street Volare Restaurant welcomed us along with Capelli Hair Design for a lovely celebratory meal. It was great.  Most importantly our fundraiser is now over the £1,000 mark and open for another 3 weeks if anyone would like to win the sculptured heart piece in the window.  It's getting a lot of attention. It’s also good to see that Paul Cantrill is back offering framing services. He says it’s great to see old faces welcoming him back after being 30 years framing on that block previously.”

As the originator of the famous 'liquid glass' range, Clare Wright continues to broaden the horizons of contemporary art with her designs.

Clare has sold her eye-catching art in the UK and around the world through her ‘Zenith Art’ brand for the past 20 years. Now she’s enjoying stepping into the spotlight with a gallery under her own name.

Clare has sold art to celebrities including Karen Brady, Jermaine Defoe, Sir Kenny Dalglish, Jack Wilshere, Theo Paphitis, Tracy Moore MBE and others.

Her works include the stunning 9 metre high butterfly tree featuring 1,500 individual butterflies in the Oak Theatre at Scarisbrick Hall School near Southport.

Her business is thriving on her flair for contemporary colour, texture and diverse materials, liquid glass, metals and Swarovski crystal.

All Clare’s work is created by her alone at her workshops in Southport. Each piece is individually made and signed.

Always striving to experiment with unfamiliar ideas, Clare creates beautiful, vibrant pieces of artwork using diverse materials.

Her products are distributed throughout the UK, Europe and Dubai in interior design stores, design-led boutiques, furniture stores, galleries and garden centres.