A little nook of creativity to open in St George's

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28: While we might be getting used to the sight of businesses shutting up shop in St George’s, it is refreshing to see one opening its doors.

The Endemic Arts Collective at 38 Water Street is a creative art space that will showcase the work of the island’s photographers and artists. What’s more, owner Gary Mcpherson hopes to get permission for the waterside business to double up as a professional tattoo studio. 

He is putting together the final touches to the shop which will have a maritime theme as will much of the work displayed there.

Mcpherson told the Bermuda Sun: “The arts collective is an outlet for artists who might not have an easy way to get their work out there — whether to be seen or to be sold. We only take ten per cent commission on any work sold meaning it gives the artist most of the value of their art back.”

Among those Mcpherson hopes to feature at the gallery are painter Michael Cacy, pen and ink artist Charles Gardener, Gombey doll maker Barbara Fubler and ceramic artist Jonathan Northcott.

On the other side of the business, Mcpherson is a qualified tattoo artist and has wanted to own his own tattoo studio since the age of 14. “In general, Bermudians are into tattoos — they have taken up the art,” he said.  “Younger and older people who would have never gotten tattoos 10 or 15 years ago, are now because it is seen a little more mainstream and artsy. It is very individualistic and Bermudians have a lot of character.”

The gallery will have a soft opening at the Art Walk on November 12 from 5:30pm to 8pm.