ART lovers in Cardigan now have the chance to see the best talent in Wales on their very own doorstep.

Oriel Canfas has opened its doors at the top of Grosvenor Hill and promises to exhibit the quality of work often only seen in major cities.

The new gallery has been set up by owners Richard Jarman and Peter Austin and will be managed by Anne Cakebread, a familiar face to many in the local area.

Illustrator and designer Anne, who has recently enjoyed success with her illustrated books Teach Your Dog Welsh and Teach Your Cat Welsh, is excited by the prospect.

“We want the gallery to appeal to everyone. Yes, we will be displaying some fantastic artists but the gallery is very much down to earth.

"It is important that anyone can come n and just view what we have,” said Anne.

The gallery is dedicated to artists either living or born in Wales, with the downstairs floor concentrating on West Wales. The back area will have a featured artist and change every six weeks.

Maenclochog artist Elizabeth Haines is the first to exhibit there.

“The amount of talent we have living in the local area is incredible and it is important that we help these artists to display their work, help them make a living and promote Welsh art,” said Anne.

“And there could be no better location to do that than opposite Cardigan Castle, the birthplace of the Eisteddfod.”

Upstairs, the gallery features Eisteddfod gold medal winners in both ceramics and fine art as well as internationally-acclaimed artists, with Anne tapping into her extensive contacts book to exhibit works by the likes of Andre Stitt.

Peter said: “We felt it was the right time to do something like this in Cardigan and this is the perfect location opposite the castle.

“We have put a bit of TLC into the building and it is now quite a statement. It has already created quite a stir and we have had a lot of positive feedback and appreciation that we are doing something for the local community.

“The support we have had has been fantastic and we think the town is very much on the up. New businesses are opening to add to the great mix that is already here.

“It would be great to see other artists and galleries adding to the mix we already have – perhaps a photographic gallery or one dedicated to water colours. Perhaps Cardigan could become the West Wales St Ives?”

The new gallery was officially opened by local AM Elin Jones, who described it as a “fantastic venture”.

She said: “How Cardigan has changed to become the town it is today.

“It has always been a special place and it is great that people are investing in the fabric of the town and it is no longer one of the best kept secrets in Wales but one of the jewels in Wales’ crown.

“This is a special building and enables artists in this area to show and sell their work, combining artistic and economic worth.”