A collective of seven Gloucestershire artists have had a busy year and will have their work on show twice more before Christmas.

The artForce collective originally came together in a Pop-Up shop in Tewkesbury with the help of Priors Park Neighbourhood Project.

Collective member Colin Clark explained: "The charity secured the empty shop and we opened on 9th September through to 24th December 2020. Ten per cent of sales from the shop went to the charity along with a £200 donation from group profits.

"It was a great experience that boosted our morale after months of isolation and limited social contact. We got to know each other well and recognised the benefit of supporting each other in our work during difficult times. We decided to try and stay together as a group and so formed artForce collective."

Fellow member Stephen Roberts said: "Since those early days, we've gone from strength to strength, sharing our knowledge and resources to continue supporting our development as artists.

"We have been lucky enough to have had three exhibitions in 2021, showing twice at Winchcombe's Dove Gallery and once at the Gardens Gallery in Cheltenham.

"These exhibitions have been a wonderful experience not only to promote each other's work but also in meeting members of the local community. This engagement with the public is something we hope to do a lot more of in the future through running Pop-Up events, artists workshops and collaborating with small businesses and charities."

The artForce collective will be at the Christmas Fair, Tewkesbury Abbey on Saturday, November 27, and at the Beckford Bazaar, Old Post Office Shop, Beckford, on Sunday, December 12.

2022 is already looking like being another exciting and productive year for the collective which has secured its first major exhibition at Sixteen Gallery in Cheltenham next summer and will be back at the Dove Gallery in September.

Another collective member, Carrie Sermon, said: "Becoming a part of artForce collective has given me support, mentoring and creative opportunities. The experience has offered insight, helped professional development and opened up shared exhibition opportunities. This has enhanced both my practice and helped me to find long-lasting friendship."

Member Tracey Cadogan added: "Being a member of artForce collective, I have benefited from the support of other artists to develop ideas and undertake new projects in commercial design."

Colin Clark added: "Being a member of artForce collective means I'm now selling paintings and prints again and really enjoying working as a professional artist and illustrator."

You can find the artForcecollective on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtForceCollectiveGloucestershire 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artforce_collective/