IN true maritime style, an innovative new arts venture in Watchet was officially launched last weekend with the smash of a champagne bottle in front of more than 180 guests.

Called Contains Art, the project uses a trio of shipping containers on the East Quay as a hub for community-based arts ventures.

The containers have been converted to provide four studios and space for exhibitions and events to showcase the work of local artists, designers and crafts people.

They are also being used as a networking centre for members of the West Somerset's Creative Industries group.

Local artist Chris Jelley, one of the directors of the project, welcomed guests to a preview event of the first exhibition, 'Wish you were here?', on Saturday afternoon.

After an obligatory bottle of bubbly was smashed against the side of the containers, Mr Jelley urged people give the venture their full support.

"This is a fabulous concept brought to fruition by the community and simple hard graft, predominantly by the artists themselves.

"Come and support it, see the art, visit the artists and their studios, buy from them, commission them, invest in them, see how their art develops and changes and how this place influences the creative process," he said.

The inaugural exhibition, which officially opened last Sunday, features postcards sent by artists, local people and well-wishers from far and wide to welcome the arrival of the new venture.

Around 300 creative postcards are included in the display, received from artists from as far away as New Zealand.

Speaking at the launch, fellow director Jason Robinson thanked the many volunteers who had worked on the site to convert the containers into bright, well-insulated working spaces that could be used all year round.

He also thanked local firms that had supported the project through subsidised materials and services, West Somerset Council and Watchet Harbour Marina for their co-operation over the development of the site.

Contains Art is being overseen by the not-for-profit community enterprise group the Creatives Club CIC, which has received funding from the Western Somerset Local Action for Rural Communities (LARC) Scheme and Somerset County Council's Creative Industries Development Fund.

Contains Art has also received financial support from the Golsoncott Foundation

The project aims to inspire artists, foster collaboration, promote creative businesses and help bring creative work to a wider audience.

'Wish you were here?" runs until Thursday, July 18, while the gallery will be open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm.

Exhibitions of local artists' work will be featured throughout the summer, including a group exhibition during Watchet Summertime from August 4 to 10.

The Creatives Club CIC meets on the last Thursday of every month in Watchet's Esplanade Club and more information is available on the website http://www.containsart">www.containsart. co.uk.

Pictured at the launch are key members and supporters of Contains Art, from the left, Naomi Griffith, Sue Lowe, Mel Deegan, Angie Wood, Alison Jacobs, Jason Robinson, Dot Kuzniar, Chris Jelley and Chris Ferris.

Photo: Steve Guscott