Pocket yourself a postcard-sized piece of art at Sheffield gallery’s first ever Secret Postcard show

A Sheffield gallery owner has challenged artists in the city to get creative in lockdown, launching the venue’s first ever Secret Postcard show.
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Karen Sherwood, of Cupola Contemporary Art on Middlewood Road in Hillsborough, hopes to have thousands of postcards to display as part of the show, which will run from August to October.

Karen, who is keen to attract star names and international exhibitors, said her Secret Postcard show would be brilliant for art lovers, as each work will be sold for £15, making it affordable, accessible and offering the chance to grab a bargain or two.

“Every postcard-sized work will be shown,” said Karen.

The Secret Postcard ShowThe Secret Postcard Show
The Secret Postcard Show
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“I’d love to have thousands of postcards to display. That would be wonderful.

“This show proves art is not some high-brow, exclusive club and, although we want the gallery to be challenging and to take risks, we can do this as well as being a part of the community.

“Most importantly, preparation for the show might also help people see light at the end of the lockdown tunnel.”

Cupola Contemporary Art has been an outlet for local, national and international artists to showcase and sell their work for almost 29 years.

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However, it now needs urgent help as structural problems mean that tens of thousands of pounds must be raised as soon as possible.

Karen launched its ‘CPR, Cupola Preserve & Rescue’ campaign last year, and reveals she is now around half way towards her £40,000 goal.

Funds from the postcard show will help boost the total further.

Karen, who opened the gallery in 1991 when she was just 23, said: “The gallery is a resource for the community, as well as for artists, and is needed and enjoyed by many for their health and wellbeing.

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“I famously set it up between a betting shop and a launderette, around the corner from the Sheffield Wednesday Football Club and most people gave me six months.

“With goodwill and a lot of people’s help, I hope to reach my 30th anniversary next year.”

In addition to being the founder and director, Karen is also an artist herself, who paints ‘whenever she can find the time or summon the energy.’She received a BA (Hons) degree in Fine Art from Sheffield Hallam University in 1990 and has worked in public collections in the UK and in private collections internationally.

As for the Secret Postcard show, which is open to both artists and non-artists, Karen added: “The works can be in any media or even mixed media and are then donated to the gallery.

“No image is signed on the front – hence the secret.

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“Details of who made each item will only be revealed after a piece has been sold.”

Meanwhile, the contributors would get the opportunity to exhibit in a contemporary art gallery, know they are supporting the gallery’s future and make a connection with the gallery.

For details of how to get involved or find out more about the show, visit: cupolagallery.com and click on CPR. The deadline for entries is August 20.