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On the Stair is the latest artistic venture hitting Leeds, providing Leeds’ artistic talent with an opportunity to exhibit and sell their work, and Leeds’ art lovers a place to go to find this new talent. On the Stair, like all great ideas, started in the pub. However, unlike most great ideas conceived in a pub, this one has actually made it into reality. Kel and Nick were disappointed by the lack of art in Leeds. While everyone’s music tastes, theatrical tendencies and gastronomic desires may be catered for, there are very few places were you can find great art. ‘It’s amazing how much art there is around here,’ say Kel, ‘but there is just not a platform for these artists to promote themselves from’.On the Stair are finding a new generation of Leeds based artists, and providing them with this platform. But On the Stair are infinitely more than just an art dealer. ‘We wanted to make in fun and interesting’ says Kel, and they came up with the idea of holding art parties. These parties will be held every three months, or so, and combine a great night out with viewing and buying something by Leeds’ next big artistic talent.On the Stair’s first party is to be held on the 6 December at the Adelphi, and will feature a whole range of different artistic flavours. Artists you’ll find as you explore the Adelphi’s upstairs room will include painter and real-life alchemist Rachel Savage, whose work explores a fine blend between the real and magical. Illustrator Luke Drozd, whose work you might have seen in Opposite Café, will also be on hand to discuss his work with you, as well Jay Mawson whose photography was recently exhibited at the Tate Britain. Jay Mawson is a Bradford based photographer tipped for success, and On the Stair’s first party is an amazing chance to see some of his work. Mawson’s poignant sense of the beauty arrestingly captures intimate detail of the people and places of Yorkshire. On the Stair are a honey pot of new artistic talent, making it a collection that is really not to be missed. Kel and Nick hope they have gathered together a collection of art that will speak to all kinds of people (and all kinds of people’s wallets!) All the art work is affordable, with prices starting at just £30.The evening begins at 5.30 for a quiet peruse of the art on offer with a glass of champagne, with the party really getting started at 8, as DJs take to the floor. Nick and Kel are full of ambition for the future of On the Stair. One day they hope to give up their day jobs and make On the Stair a full time venture. ‘There are so many ways it could go’, says Kel, but eventually having a small gallery in town is definitely an ambition. As well as the parties, On the Stair are in the process of developing a website where all the artwork will be available to look at and buy in between parties. Kel and Nick hope that On the Stair will become a name that people associate with great art in Leeds and the North, a place where both artists and art buyers can meet, and for Leeds’ to take a starring role in the next generation of British art.
On the Stair’s first party is at the Adelphi www.theadelphi.co.uk on 6 December from 5.30 to midnight.
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