ArtyBars was born from a long ambition to be able to exhibit and sell art on behalf of local and visiting artists of all types, in a relaxing, informal environment, where art classes and demonstrations could also be made available all at an affordable cost. It is also about taking art to people who may never usually step inside a 'formal' gallery.

Many people have asked me over the years 'what is art?', my response is simple, 'art is whatever you want it to be, it is something for everyone…..from a Picasso to the simple patterns of dappled light filtering through the leaves of a silver birch in the autumn, from Michelangelo's 'David' to the majestic rock stacks along our coast line, or even the written word .' Everyone can enjoy art.

Both student, amateur and professional artists are being encouraged to exhibit their work at the pub. We feel it is important to give artists of all categories an opportunity to exhibit their art in an alternative space to a formal gallery, such as the pub. We also would like to establish relationships with art institutions in order that students could meet at the pub and paint together with a view to selling their work and placing The Wheatsheaf on the map as a meeting place for any artists.

The artist in residence at The Wheatsheaf is Lana Giles whose art is exhibited throughout the pub. Lana has painted all her life, but it has only been recently after much persuasion from her husband Peter that she has made her art available to view publicly.

Art exhibitions at The Wheatsheaf are going strong and commenced with a very significant show of local photographs from the 1960's by a local freelance photographer, Mike Hayward.

As Mikes exhibition closed Paul Hopkins a prominent local artist based in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, who is internationally renown, opened his exhibition of Watercolour British landscapes.
 
Wall space is available throughout the pub to artists to rent for exhibitions for a very good price of £1 per linear foot plus 15% commission. Any artists who are interested in renting space, or painting in the pub, or taking art classes should contact The Wheatsheaf Inn, Shifnal, Shropshire on 01952 463118.

We also hope to arrange a monthly event for artists to gather at the pub and paint whilst selling their work at the same time.

In view of all this we would see our concept being one of making art available for everyone to enjoy.

Shifnal is ideally located for people to travel to from throughout the UK due to its central location within Britains motorway network and train stations. Shifnals rail link has just opened up for access to London. It is a few minutes from the M6 via the M54. Situated in the county of Shropshire, surrounded by beautiful countryside and quaint villages on the outskirts of Telford, Shifnal has something for everyone.