FOR the third year in a row, Newcastle Emlyn has transformed itself into a living art gallery for a fortnight.

The transformation took place on Saturday, 28 July, and will remain in place until Sunday, 12 August.

Many local businesses including shops, cafés, hairdressers and pubs have teamed up with local artists who will display work in their windows as part of the town’s annual art festival.

Festival founder Rhian Davies, owner of Siop Gelf Y Wiber Art Shop, wants to make art accessible to residents and visitors alike as they go about their activities in the town.

“I had really good feedback after last year’s festival,” said Rhian.

“There was an increase in footfall particularly on a nice evening. People were walking round and jotting down artists’ details. Some artists got follow-up sales and commissions after the festival was over. One was even offered an exhibition.

“The festival encourages people to go to different parts of the town and see what shops are there. We have a good range of shops but they often change so it’s good for people to see what there is.”

This year Y Wiber’s shop window display will be a tribute to the work of the late Llwyd Edwards, a former mayor of Cardigan and an architect and artist.

For the first time the Attic Players will be holding an exhibition in an empty shop window promoting their forthcoming production, Power and Petticoats, a drama about women’s struggle for the vote, on at the end of August.

For more information about the festival, contact Rhian Davies at Siop Gelf Y Wiber Art Shop or on 01239 712946.

Read the full feature in this week’s south papers, on sale now