The Artery art shop & art classes - Banbury

Miss M.

Ordered some handmade watercolors to be delivered abroad and the process was flawless ! Barry’s watercolors are amazing and they would be a game-changing addition to anyone’s palette ! I’m definitely buying from him again !

Kevin M.

When talking about The Artery shop in Banbury, it’s hard to not talk about Barry and his wonderful staff, Jacqui and Sandra. They ARE the Artery. Without them, I don’t think this shop would be quite as magical.

And magical it is! Are you looking for quality art materials from well know brands like Windsor and Newton, Sennelier, Clairefonte, Derewent, and more? They have all those brands, across numerous media. Yes, you have the traditional watercolors, oils and acrylics, but it’s all the unexpected ones that will make you keep coming back.

Fancy doing some calligraphy? They have the supplies. Seen those cool 3D pen creations? They have one in the shop! Sculpting clay. Lino printing. Acrylic pours. There really is a lot that this shop offers, which might shock people at first glance because of how “small” it looks.

Yet this “small” shop has a lot of heart (pun intended)! Barry and his staff are all creatives and everything within the shop has been used or tested by them. This curated selection will guarantees that you’ll walk away with only quality materials. The brushes will be durable and can even stand up to abuses that children might inflict on them. Your paint will contain a high pigment ratio so it’ll paint on strong and clear!

Now, when it comes to quality, there is also price. While no one doubts that Windsor and Newton’s series 4 watercolors are fantastic, the price might give you pause. Barry and his staff are happy to point you to the right materials for what your looking for. Maybe you’re just starting out and on a budget? Or you just want to create stuff for fun and not worrying about it lasting for hundreds of years? There’s something for everyone, including the budding creative and the professional artist.

So, you’re interested in the materials but not sure how to use them or where to begin? Well Barry also offers countless workshops each week, in different mediums, at different times! Want to give something a try without paying for all the materials up front? You can do just that with any of theses classes.

In addition to all of that, you can also take advantage of:
• 1-1 tutorials with Barry to learn a new technique, get advise on how to paint a piece, etc.
• Purchase completed works. From full framed pieces, down to the demo pieces from his workshops, there’s plenty of art to just pay at reasonable prices
• Commission an artwork. Barry has done a couple of pieces now of our cats that my wife and I love! He’s done so many more for other, happy customers!
• Inquire about recorded workshops. If there’s a prompt or lesson you’re interested in, but can’t make, Barry can record and make it available to you! He’s even started to setup a service where calming music plays over speed up versions for you to watch and follow along with while relaxing!

It’s obvious from this review that I’m a big fan of this place. It’s hard not to be once you’ve gotten to know these wonderful people. Sure, you can buy from a corporate chain, but every pence spent here helps a small, independent business that cares about its craft and the community it’s a part of. So I ask you, give this place look over. You might just be surprised by what you find!

Bosloe M.

Friendly creativity and great fun. Its a treasure trove of art and craft supplies for every occasion and with the expansion into online lessons that are a versatile and accessible option for everyone. I started doing lessons in Oct last and have seen my own work improve substantially over this time. Anyone interested in returning or starting out on a creative journey I cannot recommend it enough.

Tim C.

Fantastic independent shop! Although small, there is a deceptively brilliant choice of art materials packed onto its shelves. Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Highly recommended!

J V.

What an absolute gem in the heart of Banbury. I popped in a few times when I wanted to get some crafty bits and preferred to support a local business rather than buy online. It's a small shop but for its size it is well stocked and, considering how helpful the owner is with suggestions, you get something you wouldn't get in a big chain store or online.

Little did I know when I first when in that they also do classes. I had enquired about purchasing some other bits and was told they also did classes in that area and was given a flyer with all they had an offer...what a list! I don't know when the owner gets a holiday to be honest, there is always something on, in many different mediums and for many different abilities. I was reasonably good at art at school, but over the last 10 years or so it's not something I've allowed much time for. Now I've started coming to the Artery and it's allowed me to tap into my creative side again, learn new skills, and relax for a few hours each session.

You really can't knock the friendly, welcoming feel that you get when shopping local (not just at The Artery, but also in many of Banbury's other small independent shops). Staff know who you are after only a few visits and it really makes you feel a part of the community. I can't wait to see how much my art improves and can't imagine a Banbury without this fantastic shop.

Liz B.

Went to this gem of a place this morning! As strangers in Banbury we were made most welcome and so was our dog! Had a lovely cuppa sitting at a communal table with lovely conversations with local people. Crosswords on the table and such a lovely feel to the place! Wonderful!

Andrew A. J.

Absolutely lovely, friendly and welcoming space. I met the lease holder today and she made me feel right at home. It has a warm , homely atmosphere and the hot chocolate and cake was very tasty. If you want to have a coffee etc in a nice, relaxed atmosphere, with not a hipster in sight. This is the place....
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Liz S.

My favourite place in Banbury...Brilliant art classes in different media on various days and times.
Well stocked shop with all sorts of things hidden away, for crafts as well as artists.
Friendly and very helpful staff.
Plus a cafe on the same site - what more could you wish for?!