Greater Manchester’s hidden gem location that is a ‘magical place’ for aspiring artists

Whether you’re a budding artist or looking to start a new hobby…a new art space will provide you with hands-on help from professional artists.

The Two Crows venue opened earlier this month in Bury town centre.

It is the work of the city’s Met theatre, using the space previously occupied by the Automatic restaurant, which has been empty since it closed last year.

It has now been transformed into a vibrant and colorful art space – with prints, sketches and paintings displayed on the walls and filled with drawing desks and lots of creative resources.

If, like me, you love art and creativity but don’t know how to use a brush, then the place hosts relaxed art classes, as well as a social space and transfer center where visitors can have a cup of coffee or a muffin or two.

The artists behind the project say they are determined to bring art downtown – and the fun new venue will be a world away from art stereotypes and a fun and welcoming space.

The Two Crows space was launched earlier this month at an event hosted by Prestwich poet Tony Walsh, aka Longfella.

As well as making and selling their original craft work, six artists-in-residence – including Wigan-born illustrator Alison Erika Forde and Bury-based professional artist Lee Crocker – will be offering regular weekly workshops suitable for all ages and abilities. It will also host a weekly after-school art club.

Running for an 8-week pilot period, the intention is for this project to become a permanent fixture at The Met.

The former restaurant building was refurbished thanks to a grant from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and support from Bury Council, which owns the building.

Workshops, some for ages 5 and others for older kids and adults, will range from figure drawing, life drawing, rainbow doodling, mono printing, cityscape drawing and even an event inspired by Comic Con costumes. Prices will start from just £4 per session.

The space will currently be open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 2pm, then Friday from 12pm to 5pm, Saturday from 11am to 4pm and Sunday from 12pm -15:00.

The team hope that if the summer trial period is successful, the project will become a permanent fixture and space for Bury’s budding residents and art groups to flourish.

Victoria Robinson, head of the Met, said: “We exist to provide development opportunities for artists and the new space is an extension of our work, which makes Bury so unique.

“We are proud to welcome Two Crows Studio to the building and their program of events and workshops. We are working closely with partners to ensure this is an exciting opportunity for the whole of Bury and adds to the already brilliant cultural offer we have here.’

For full listing information on sessions and workshops, visit here: https://themet.org.uk/whats-on/two-crows/