What If Gallery

General information

We aim to encourage the Arts and Artists in all it's diversity, and to provide an outlet for creative community involvement, whilst seeking to encourage an appreciative audience.

What If...? Gallery was opened in February 2006 when an opportunity was realized that buildings awaiting redevelopment would be an ideal venue for artists to display their work/craft. The developers kindly agreed to lease the buildings to us for a peppercorn rent until the development begins. As an artists co-operative it is hoped that volunteers will man the building on an unpaid basis and in return they may display their work free of charge.

With the kind support of the Holy Trinity Church, Dartford) we are able to offer opportunities to all aspects of art and craft and the artists themselves.

We welcome any volunteer - or contributions of time or money, to enable us to remain open to artists/craftspeople and give them the opportunity of exhibiting their works at a low cost.

You can now support artists and the gallery by buying online from our etsy store: http://etsy.me/2vFYeZR

The unique What if ...? Gallery project was conceived in 2006 by Peter Harper and a couple of highly 'Arts positive' people who wanted to ensure that Dartford did not become a ghost town whilst the redevelopment works were progressing in the town centre. We can now look forward to Dartford once more becoming a thriving market town where people can come to shop and of course, browse in our gallery. The project at this time wholly depends on volunteers who run the gallery on a day to day basis and who devote a lot of time to ensure that everything runs smoothly for the benefit of artists who wish to take part. Those volunteers are Chris and Sue Knight, Peter Shurmer, Jan Denney, Kerstin Muller, Ruth Howard, Ann Grey and Christine. Our website is managed by Lisa England. Richard Slater is our Resident Artist and can be seen most days at the What if...? Gallery, slaving over his hot easel.

The project would not have happened without the aid of FIT Voices (Faith in their voices) a charity based at the Holy Trinity Church, Dartford. They underwrite the project by acting as guarantor for the lease and help with applications for grant funding. Our thanks go to Kevin for his continued support. We will continue to be a part of Dartford as long as St. James Investments continue to allow us to use their buildings and hope that once the redevelopment is complete there will be a dedicated Arts space for us in the town centre.

Sing and Sign Sessions
sing_and_sign
Come and join the original, award winning, small music group that helps you communicate with your baby before speech.
Please contact Jenette Hawkes on 01322522790 or 07958455699 or email jenettehawkes@singandsign.com for more information. There is also more information at their website www.singandsign.com and their Facebook page SingAndSignBexleyAndDartford.
Picture Framing Service

Anthony Elliott offers an independent picture framing service, providing hand finished frames of a high standard.
He is based at the What If…? Gallery and if you are a Friend of the Gallery, he will give you discount on any frames ordered.
Anthony is in the gallery most days and if you would like a price please pop in and see him or leave your details so that he can contact you.
There is more information on the other services we offer at the gallery on our Services page.
Calling All Art Students!

Would you like to exhibit your art work? We are here for YOU and can offer exhibition space for you or a group of artists at extraordinary low costs. You can exhibit art, sculpture, photography or jewellery. To display one item can be a little as £1 per week. If you would like to read more about the exciting collaborations we have worked on in the past please visit our Exhibitions & Events page.
New Arts and Crafts Session for Visually Impaired Artists

We offer an arts and crafts session for artists with visual impairments and can provide opportunities to exhibit the finished artwork.
Please email Ruth at info@whatifgallery.co.uk for more details. You can also find out more information on our other classes and workshops on the Classes page.