Cal, who goes only by his first name, has been doing his bit to embed art and the thoughts it provokes into the public consciousness in Stourbridge for the last 20 years with his various exhibitions, workshops and projects.
His latest street art project, which pays tribute to the town’s musical heritage, has seen murals springing up on prominent buildings on the ring road in commemoration of 90s Stourbridge pop bands The Wonder Stuff and Pop Will Eat Itself. A third, honouring Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, is awaited but is expected to start taking shape soon in Hagley Road.
Meanwhile, Cal is looking forward to opening his own art gallery in Stourbridge – thanks to musician turned antique shop owner Dave Powell at Grandad’s Attic who has offered up space on the ground floor of the shop for the new venture.
The new Future Rebel gallery, as it will be called, will be located beneath the antique business in Canal Street, opposite The Bonded Warehouse.
It’s currently a blank canvas but Cal, who lives in Norton, hopes it will soon be playing its part in elevating the art scene in Stourbridge.
He said: “I’ve had lots of studios but this is my first gallery. I’m absolutely ecstatic.
“It’s going to be a really exciting space, a space for modern artists and for artists of all backgrounds and all ages to display their work and have the freedom to express themselves in any way they want.
“When I moved to Stourbridge it was very much for the arts. I feel over the years we’ve kind of lost that little vibe a bit so hopefully this will bring the arts back into Stourbridge and be a great platform for people to exhibit.
“I think Stourbridge needs this.”
The new space will showcase “modern, forward-thinking art”. There’ll be no traditional landscapes and pictures of canal boat on display, Cal said – adding: “I want it to be accessible to other artists.
“When I was younger it was quite hard to get into a gallery with my style of art – it will be quite rebelistic, a little bit like me.”
The new gallery will be open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
It will be launched on Saturday August 23 with an open day from midday to 4pm then from 6pm in the evening there will be live music and nibbles.