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27
Feb
Local art teacher opens new Harrogate studio
A Harrogate art teacher will open a new studio in the town centre this weekend.
Parish Art Room will open to the public on Swan Road this Saturday (March 1).
The studio will be used as a space for teaching and commercial purposes by owner Lisa Dennis, who creates and sells her artwork.
Lisa Dennis (left) with some of her students
Ms Dennis established the studio in 2019. As previously reported by the Stray Ferret, she operated in a rented room at St George’s Community Centre, but the community centre closed in December.
Ms Dennis subsequently decided to purchase her own working space.
She said:
When the news came that St George’s was going to close, it was a case of either stopping completely or continue doing what I love. So, I made the decision to purchase my own space.
All my pupils have followed me to my new studio. I want to bring the opportunity to learn to the high street.
My passion is teaching and making people less scared to pick up a new skill. This studio is something that I wanted to invest in and something I strongly believe Harrogate needs.
One of Ms Dennis' students shows off her artwork
Ms Dennis hosts weekly art classes for teenagers and adults, including life drawing sessions for over-18s. She currently teaches around 75 students in the week.
She also uses the space for her own commercial purposes. Ms Dennis' art has been displayed in multiple exhibitions, including at the neighbouring Mercer Art Gallery.
Two of Lisa Dennis' works. Credit: Parish Art Room
The studio will officially open its doors on Saturday, although Ms Dennis has already been using the space to accommodate the classes she had when she was still operating in the community centre.
The studio will offer free drop-in sessions between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday to celebrate the opening.
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