Longford's impressive Athena Fine Art Gallery hits the spot!

Three months ago Anna Peters opened the doors to Athena, Longford's only fine art gallery, complemented with lovely barista coffee, home-made cakes and a beautiful craft section.

It was a bold and brave move for this ambitious young businesswomen and this week, the Leader dropped by to see how life has begun for this lovely and welcome addition to Longford town.

Anna remarked, “I have been absolutely overwhelmed.”

She continued, “The response from people we know and people we didn't know, (but do now) has been unbelievable. Athena customers love our space, the atmosphere, the art, crafts, cakes, the friendly welcome, it has been like friends not customers calling in to spend time, relax, catch up enjoy the art and coffee.

“In fact we have made so many new friends and not just locally, we have had visits from people all over Ireland and abroad.”

Also read: Anna Peters backs Longford with opening of exciting and vibrant new business - Athena Fine Art Gallery and Café

Anna said she is constantly listening to what customers would like from Athena and several additions have been introduced since opening. “We are now serving hot sausage rolls and pastries, salads, sandwiches and wraps. We have gluten free options, and obviously our beautiful coffee, cakes and cold drinks. We are excited to now also offer iced coffee as requested.”

Anna added, “We want to offer as much choice as possible. Athena is a place to come to and relax, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, chat and take your time in.

“In the craft section, we are constantly evolving, we now have a delicious handmade chocolate selection from county Clare. We have handmade beeswax candles, hand drawn gift cards, handmade lamps, handmade jewellery, handcrafted soaps, gift hampers, chess boards, chequers, domino sets, ceramics, candles and so many gift ideas to suit everyone. We are constantly seeking and adding only hand made, original authentic craft gifts.

“The fine art has been amazing. It has been so lovely to see so many people call in and spend time wandering around the array of art on the walls. We hope we really have created something unique and different for people to enjoy.”

Also read: Athena: The Longford Art Hub where you can enjoy various mediums of art and beautiful Coffee Perfection

To complement all of this, at the beginning of February, Anna began art classes for all ages from seven years old up. She is currently running young art classes and adult classes and such was the demand she swiftly filled her first six week sessions.

Anna is now taking bookings for her next six week blocks, due to start in the coming weeks. Anna commented, “My students and I have thoroughly enjoyed the classes. I can see them all improving week on week and it has been a lot of fun and I am seeing some wonderful talent.”

If you would like to join in, call in to see Anna and enjoy the Easter build up through art classes in the coming weeks.

Art Exhibition
On Thursday, March 14, all of the art in Athena will be replaced with brand new art.

Anna explained, “I am so excited for the new collection being launched on our exhibition night. With over 40 applications from artists all over Ireland, I have selected some fabulous pieces. It was very difficult to choose, but the new art is stunning and very varied. Art from artists from Longford will feature, as well as further afield.

The Athena exhibition will be on Thursday, March 14 from 6 to 9pm and Anna pointed out, “All of our existing customers and any new customers are so welcome to join us for a relaxed artistic visual experience.”

Anna concluded by thanking absolutely everyone who has supported Athena in its infancy and she welcomes and invites all to come into Athena Fine Art Gallery and Café, Ballymahon Street, Longford town, to take your time and enjoy.

Also read: Longford business woman thanks wonderful people who supported her with the opening of Athena