A couple who have been inspired by the coast and the discarded materials they find on the local beaches, are celebrating twenty years of the opening of their gallery on High Street in the historic Old Town of Bridlington.
Joy and Carlo Verda, who own the popular Alex May Gallery, are well known figures in the town and have been involved in many art-based projects in the area.
Joy, until recently lectured in Art & Design with East Riding College, and has just seen her artwork that she created with pupils at New Pasture Lane school come to fruition on one of the Puffins which are on display around the town.
Joy explained:
“We bought number 15 (High Street) and moved the jewellery and art studios, along with our two small children.
“We found an almost village like community here in the Old Town and have enjoyed helping and taking part in events ever since.
“It’s odd to think our son Alex was five when we moved here and he’s now running a small recording studio and helping to promote and develop the local music scene.
“His sister Gina is now at York Medical school.
“After running a business here for 20 years we have no intention of leaving as we think the Yorkshire Coast is the finest in the country and feel lucky to live here.
After being involved with regeneration and local organisations and events, Carlo is hoping to become more involved in local politics as well as continuing to run the gallery.
After teaching Art & Design at East Riding College, Joy is now concentrating on her own artwork and organising the Old Town Lantern Walk for this year.
The Alex May Gallery, 15 High Street, Bridlington is open 10am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday.
