Happy 5 years to us!

On Saturday we celebrated our 5 year anniversary. Can you believe it’s been a whole 5 years??!!

Team members; Kim von Coels, Amanda Perry, Dee Mitrovic, Jolene Feeley, Julian Clark & Alex Loughlin

SO much as happened, so much has changed and so much has been learned.

We would like to thank everyone who made it down to the gallery to raise a glass with us. The town crier announced the event in his unique fashion. There was music, food, a free raffle giveaway and we even had the talented Christian (@sensiblepencil) doing caricatures. As always, it was you - our community - that made it such beautiful and memorable event.

Our founder Julian Clark had a few words to say, which we thought we’d share with you if you missed his speech;

“Hello everyone,

Thank you for being here today to celebrate the 5 year anniversary of Heart of The Tribe. It's a real pleasure to have you.

Glastonbury is a powerful place. I started a gallery here because I wanted to add something to this special location and I felt like an art gallery was something that the town needed. I also wanted to do something spiritually good, and I felt like an art gallery helps to cultivate spiritual needs such as connection, inspiration and healing.

Looking back to when the gallery started makes me realise just how far both it, and myself, have come. Five years ago my life was in turmoil. I struggled with addiction and mental health issues.

The gallery gave me a sense of purpose, something to work towards, and a sense of connection. The gallery, and my own artistic creations, gave me a sense of pride when I had little else to feel proud of.

I feel proud that this space offers people connection, inspiration and healing. And I feel proud because I believe with all my heart that art has the power to heal, both individually and collectively. 

But of course none of this would have been possible if it weren't for our incredible team who have dedicated themselves to carrying the vision forward. 

To Kim and Jolene - our founding members. You are the bedrock of the gallery. Ever since the beginning when times were hardest, your positive attitudes and sheer dedication have kept the gallery alive. You've poured your hearts and souls into Heart of The Tribe and it shows in everything that we do. 

To Dee - You've been a phenomenal addition to the team. Your knowledge of marketing and passion for the business have really helped carry us forward and have been instrumental to our growth.

To Alex - your knowledge and love of art have enriched the space and your support has helped us uplift the brand.

To Amanda - your warm and friendly confidence has really helped to promote the gallery and welcome new visitors.

To Sam - the garden is your artistic creation. We all appreciate the wonderful oasis you've created for us here on the high street.

Mel couldn't make it today but I give her my deep thanks - her creativity and ability to improvise under pressure have been a real gift.

All in all I couldn't possibly ask for a better team. I'm immensely grateful to all of you for sticking by me and for being at the very heart of this tribe.

And then of course there's our artists. The artists are the soul of the gallery. Their weird, wonderful and powerful creations offer us a window to the collective spirit. Art makes us feel and makes us think. It makes us reflect on ourselves, on society and on nature, and in doing so it helps us grow and pushes culture forward.

And finally I'd like to give a massive thanks to our community. You're the lifeblood of the gallery and you're the reason we do this. Every time you step into this space and engage with the art you're taking part in a shared process. Thank you so much for being part of this journey towards the love that exists at the Heart of The Tribe.

Thank you.”

We’d like to thank Talulah, Jenny Bliss and William for providing us with music. Brad Crowley, our brilliant Town Crier for crying our event into the ether. Gabriel for filming everything in his usual informative manor. Christian for drawing everyone and every single person who popped in to spend time with us not only during the event but throughout our time here on Glastonbury High Street. Its been an incredible journey and we look forward to another 5 fabulous years of art, and creativity in the community.