Photographer, Matt Hale’s call to action has been answered as he welcomes Zoe Emma Scott, as the first artist to unveil her talent at The Time Freezer Gallery, Royal Quays Outlet Centre.
Matt, owner of the gallery, has been looking to unearth budding talent and has been keen for local artists to display their work in his studio for a full month.
Following a launch night at the gallery, Zoe’s art now hangs proudly within the store.
Matt, said: “Thanks to some good press coverage and social media activity, I have had a very positive response and I am pleased to say that Zoe’s work will be residing in the gallery for a month and I am also looking forward to welcoming two further artists in November and December.
“Having met with Zoe and viewed her work, it is clear she has a real talent and this is a chance for her to showcase her work to a diverse range of potential customers within a bustling retail environment.”
Zoe, who is 41 and from South Shields, said: “I was alerted to the opportunity when a friend saw the announcement on social media and I was very interested in showcasing my work. Art for me has always been a great passion but something that was always on the sideline.
“I had worked for the NHS until an accident in 2013 resulted in a back injury and I was left in chronic pain. This caused me to have extended time off work and painting really helped me keep my mind off what had happened to me and what I was going through.
“Over the years I have developed a niche for painting pictures, including local landmarks, in a whimsical way. I love painting with an element of humour and in bright, cheerful colours. I am honoured to be regularly asked to paint personalised paintings for people in my style.
“I developed my style from a young age after developing an affinity for the Brambley Hedge mice. I was absorbed with every detail of the pictures and I enjoy painting with such attention to detail.
“My back injury was a difficult time for me but has proved a positive turning point in my life. I believe that everything happens for a reason and good can come from the most unlikely places and events in your life.
“This will be my first exhibition and I am really looking forward to seeing my work within the gallery. I am a big fan of Matt’s work and the way he photographs in such a unique way, so it will be a pleasure to be featured in his gallery.”
In addition to his own collections, Matt also offers bespoke photography services including portraits for families, babies, children and pets as well as weddings and special events.
Royal Quays centre manager, Judith Ramshaw, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Zoe and it is great to see that Matt is utilising his gallery for the benefit of talented North East artists. Our latest statistics show that footfall at the centre is increasing all of the time which means that Zoe, along with all our other tenants, will have the chance to impress a great many people.”
Royal Quays has 50 stores which employ around 500 staff, making it an important employment hub for the North Tyneside area.
It is home to a number of top brands offering up to 60% off RRP such as Nike Factory Store, Gap Outlet, Collectables Outlet, Clarks, Next and Mountain Warehouse, along with a vast range of local, independent retailers specialising in areas such as sport, fashion, jewellery, music and electrical items.
As well as attracting famous brands, since it was opened in 1996, Royal Quays has achieved great success in assisting local retailers looking to get to the next stage of their development.
Packages include competitive and flexible rent agreements that can be linked to store performance as well as expert advice from the on-site management team on marketing, shop design, presentation and sales.
For more information, please visit www.royalquaysoutletcentre.com