Featuring artwork from five local artists, ranging from funky contemporary portraits, delightful sculptures and more traditional landscape and fine art works, the gallery was officially opened to a large audience of dedicated art lovers and those interested in purchasing a unique item for their home.

Joe Barber, Manager at Linton and Robinson, said: “Linton and Robinson has been part of the community in Strabane and throughout the North West for well over 50 years. It is therefore very fitting that in conjunction with the Alley Theatre and through funding via Arts and Business NI, that we should promote local artists within our new Furniture 2 department store.

“We hope the artists will benefit by having their works on display within a modern store, offering them extra exposure to the public and media. This is a new venture for Strabane and Linton’s, and when you see how the store has changed over the last five years, you can certainly see Strabane is changing, re-inventing itself and becoming far more competitive in the retail, arts and cultural tourism sectors.”

The North West Artist Gallery has been developed in association with the Strabane’s Alley Theatre and Arts & Business NI, a not for profit organisation, which aims to promote mutually beneficial relationships between business, the arts and the public sector in order to increase private sector investment into the arts through investment programmes.

Commenting on the launch, Alley Theatre Manager, John Kerr said: “This has been a wonderful exhibition launch and I certainly hope that the public support this innovative project, which is showcasing some amazing pieces of new artwork, at excellent prices. By purchasing a piece you are not only supporting local artists, but you made never know, a purchase might prove to be a valuable investment for the future.“