Snowdonia and the Arts
One glance at the scenery of Snowdonia from the grandieur of its mountains to it's stunning coastline makes you realise why the area has been a magnet for artists for over 200 years.
Today's artists are well represented in the public and commercial galleries in the region.

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;
website linkThe 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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