Snowdonia and the Arts

Tourist Information

with inspiration around every corner

There are four principal public galleries in North Wales, the oldest being that of the Royal Camrian Academy in Conwy. In 1881, when the RCA was constituted by Queen Victoria, Betws-y-Coed was at the peak of it's fame as home to large numbers of professional and amateur artists. Snowdonia has a long tradition of inspiring world renowned artists and continues to draw and inspire emerging artists who are invited to exhibit at the RCA - find out more at;
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The other noted galleries are Storiel in Bangor, Kyffin Williams' Oriel Mon,and the contemporary Mostyn Gallery in Llandudno.
In addition, Bodelwyddan Castle has a permanent loan collection from the National Portrait Gallery and hosts major touring exhibitions.

Major private galleries include:
Ffin Y Parc on Betws Road which hosts monthly exhibitions by contemporary Welsh artists with strong roots and connections to the area

Plas Glyn y Weddw at Llanbedrog on the Lleyn Peninsula. set in a stunning former private country house overlooking Cardigan Bay.

Tegfryn Art Gallery at Menai Bridge on the Isle of Anglesey. Probably the longest established gallery in North Wales.

Galleri Betws Y Coed Conwy. Situated in the village that was the home of Britains first artists' colony set up by artist David Cox at the Royal Oak Hotel

The largest and most important art happening in North Wales takes place over three weekends in September when hundreds of artists across 4 counties open their studios to the public.
It's a unique chance for visitors to peek behind the scenes, experience this normally hidden world and get to chat to the artists and crafts people about their creative process.
The individual studio spaces are located in every kind of venue, from purpose-built studios and galleries to garden sheds and back rooms, in wild countryside and busy towns.
for details visit the Helfa Gelf website;
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Alongside all the incredible art on display there are also small independent specialist galleries such as the Soul of Snowdonia just up the road from Betws in Capel Curig. Operated by three professional photographers who capture the esscence of our landscape in three distinct ways. Find Nick, John & Marion's work at
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and then of course there's Alison Bradley, Chris Hull, Tina Holley, Rob Piercy and a host of other artists and makers who have their own galleries with original works for sale.

captured by the magic of Snowdonia

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