A NEW arts centre has opened in Brockwoood with the aim to bring more creativity to the area.

The Granary Creative Arts Centre, run by renowned Winchester artist Kezia Hoffman, is open to the public to view exhibitions, craft items and enjoy a coffee and catch up.

Ms Hoffman had been searching for the right venue in Winchester for more than 15 years, but could not afford the rent.

However, when she found the granary, she thought it was a perfect match – even though it is 11 miles from the city.

The Brockwood Park School teacher said: “It has been a dream of mine to find somewhere to turn into an arts centre and when the Granary at Brockwood became available for rent I knew it was the perfect venue.

“The Granary is surrounded by creative and interesting projects in a picturesque building and setting.

“Essentially the space will be used as an alternative art school and exhibition venue exploring themes that celebrate the artisan and the artist.”

She added: “There will be a focus on teaching traditional skills and crafts such as green wood work, basketry, life drawing, carving, portraiture, weaving but the exhibitions will lean into the contemporary and experimental.

“I see this as a collaborative project and am inviting creative local people to get involved.”

Many different classes will run at the centre, including life drawing, willow weaving and chair making.

There will also be Saturday morning art club for children over nine–years–old, with Sundays hosting various workshops for adults.

For more information, contact granartsinfo@gmail.com.