I LOVE the art that is showcased here. As a base for local artists, you'll see work by the likes…read moreof Lucy McLauchlan displayed alongside work by more unusual artists such as Jamie Hewlett of Gorrillaz fame. The gallery itself is tiny, but the walls are always full from floor to ceiling with beautiful works available to buy. They tend to show a lot of streetart inspired work, or more print-based pieces which helps to keep costs lower than if they were selling original oils. Alongside the framed works there's always a selection of unframed options available, and small pieces displayed in cabinets which accompany the exhibitions - anything from cross-stitched computer programmer jewellery to mini toys and zines. If you're visiting the Custard Factory and want to grab a few little presents for friends, this is always a good place to pop into.

The custard factory is renowned for its creative fashion, arts and culture so it only seems fitting…read morethat the Studio4 Gallery is situated here. Although only a small space, you'll be surprised by the amount of art work available to view and buy. When you first walk in you will be overwhelmed by the variety of modern art available. From the floor to the ceiling you will find art by a varied collection of British artists, some recognised and some undiscovered which makes the shopping experience even more special and intriguing. There's lots of cool what I call 'poster art', which would look great in any swanky city centre apartment of stylish home alike. There really is something for everyone from classic remakes to fresh and funky one-offs, next time you're in Digbeth I recommend you go and check it out.

Time Art Gallery in Solihull is a great addition to the Touchwood Shopping centre!…read more Located on the ground floor between Superdry and H&M, they offer a superb service and inspiring eye catching artwork on display. The images are all hand painted and then reproduced as prints or onto a canvass, and the genres cover sectors such as movies, music, cities and even a Volkswagen inspired range. The paintings are of such high quality, you have to look again! They have everything from Bob Marley to Madonna, Oasis to The Wanted, Amy Whinehouse to the Beattles. I liked the large canvass of the Joker. The great exceptional service which they offer includes having your own photo reproduced onto a canvass, from £20 for a 10"x10" upto a large 20"x40". You can email your picture in ( info@timeart.co.uk or adztimeart@gmail.com ), send it via text, MMS, take in a cd or dvd, or even an actual photo for them to scan in! They'll advise on the best suitable size depending on the quality of your image, and the canvass is produced to such a high quality with mounts, I was very pleased with my pictures. Also on display are paintings produced by local artists of Moulin Rouge, Paris, Butterflies, poppies etc hand painted directly onto canvass which were stunning! They currently have a sale on of upto 50% off for canvass printing, and they are usually ready within an hour. So what are you waiting for?....

I think the best word to describe the Eastside Projects is probably esoteric - which obviously…read moremakes it a toughie to write about. However, it's a lovely space and a lovely concept so I will try...Based just down the road from the altogether different Air nightclub and not far from The Custard Factory, Eastside Projects is an exhibition space that hosts and commisions experimental contemporary art exhibitions as well as a kind of collective that looks at ways in which art may be useful to society. Or as their website and rather beautiful user manual (copies of which are available in the gallery and are well worth picking up) puts it "EP is a questioning structure that in turn produces more questions and also, of course, possible answers. Our ambition is to incorporate the methodologies of art-making at all scales and functions of the organisation.We believe in working collaboratively towards change and do so to support the cultural growth of Birmingham. We do not make art for the public. We are the public that makes art. The artist run space is not a stop gap. The artist run space is a public good." As well as regular exhibitions they hold lunch time talks and are one of the stops on the Art Bus route - they also have an amazing office - a piece of artwork originally commisioned for the 2007 Venice Biennale and created by Heather & Ivan Morison and that has been transformed into a space that holds a desk, shelving and a kitchen.

I often go to the Custard Factory to for a range of events or to buy vintage clothing. So when I…read morefirst heard about the Eastside Project, which is around the block, I was excited to go and view it as everything about this little corner of Birmingham oozes creativity and independence. This large exhibition space has been utilized by a group of artists to offer people like you and me an opportunity to experience contemporary art at its finest. What I like most about this place is that it continually encourages both new and old artists and creative people with a vision, to experiment with new ideas and get involved with utilizing the exhibition space. Alongside the art exhibitions, they also run a number of events which tend be an opportunity for networking and knowledge sharing. Definitely worth checking out if you're passionate about making your mark on the industry.

I am basing this review on the establishment and not in the art inside. It would be unfair to as…read morewhen I went it didn't seem have anywhere near as cool stuff that other yelpers photos suggest. It's free to get in but you are heavily encouraged to drop a fiver in the donations box slap in the middle of the entrance way. Going immediately upstairs to what is usually the main exhibit and the top floor holds between another 1 and 2 exhibitions with a small media room. You go upstairs then down half stairs to move around the building - but there is a glass elevator too. Gift shop is customary as usual but this holds some quirkier items, to be honest we spent the most time here. In the case of what was to offer when I was there we got around the gallery within the hour easily. I would go again as it is free but some of what was on show wasn't my thing last time.

For an small contemporary art gallery IKON is "As good as it gets"…read more Situated in Brindley Place, it's easily within reach from all directions within the City Core. My personal favourite is the walk along the canal from the Mailbox direction, though you can just as easily reach it via Centenary Square through the ICC. IKON started in the 60s in a small kiosk in the old Bullring has come along way to the magnificent neo-gothic School building in which it now resides. The Oozells Street School was at one point the only building in the area that is now known as Brindley Place. As you walk into the gallery the brightly lit IKON lettering on the concrete wall is a visually striking welcome and an idea into the feel of what it is about. Contemporary art and in particular, installations. I have been to many of the exhibitions at IKON and no two are alike. Each has their own unique feel, message or story to tell. IKON is great at displaying wow pieces as well as some very abstract pieces. Don't worry though, I recommend you pick up the free guides before you go in, usually in a container on the wall. They can be very helpful in giving you a rundown of who the artist is and some of the meaning behind their work. Artists from all over the world have displayed here and currently Korean artist Lee Bul's exhibition is his first in UK, a premiere, and one definitely worth visiting! Why not make an afternoon of it? Café Opus is located on the ground floor and has some really great food and drink at affordable prices. There is also a shop where you can buy cards, books etc of the artist on display or general art paraphernalia. Oh and IKON is a FREE gallery so you have no excuse! Get cultural, Birmingham!

Grand Union is an artists' studios and gallery space located in the Minerva Works complex in…read moreDigbeth. At the heart of Birmingham's artistic community, Grand Union hosts a programme of free public exhibitions, talks, workshops, screenings and other events throughout the year. The artists' studios are home to some of the best-known Birmingham-based artists and are opened up periodically so that people can visit and get a glimpse into the artists' individual working spaces. The Minerva Works complex which houses Grand Union has become a real hub of activity during Digbeth First Fridays. Also located in this complex are Vivid Projects, Centrala and Stryx, which all have busy programmes. There's also a printers, graphic designers and an art supplies shop.

Grand Union is an art collective that has 8 studios and a project space for exhibitions and events…read more As I share a studio in the same building (Minerva Works) I often see them putting together projects and while some of the exhibitions they have might seem a bit left field they are certainly trying something new and bringing diversity to the industrial backdrop of Digbeth. As it is a non profit organisation they are always keen to have people help out. If you would like to get involved you should check out their website and drop them a line. It is definitely something different and interesting and I recommend supporting it even if everything they do might not be to your taste.

I'll be honest with you I've only been here twice and both times it was shelter from the rain…read morewhilst I waited for my bus to turn up at nearby Colmore Row - both times it reminded me a bit of my time at Athena (I know this ages me somewhat but I loved working at Athena) - the artwork for sale here is all very nice and discrete and would probably look lovely in a show home but therein lies the problem - it's art designed to go with your sofa. A visit to their website confirms this - they offer an art consultation service which promises advice on what art work to acquire for your home or workplace, which given the photographs seems to depend on what shade of wallpaper you own. I'm sorry to sound sniffy but this really isn't my cup of tea - and this is from someone who rather likes L'enfant prints (we're back to my time at Athena again) and the odd Monet. Still, its a nice enough place to spend a few minutes and if you find yourself left stranded by the 22 bus and without an umbrella its definitely worth a look.

I left a recent trip to the an art gallery rather creative. After stumbling upon the Whitewall…read moreGallery I was extremely inspired but I didn't know what to do with it. The gallery is home to a variety of high end art pieces from all around the world They offer an art consultancy service which helps you find that special investment art piece for you or a gift for a loved one. They specialise in providing fine contemporary art which represents individuality and quality. If you're a true art love then this gallery is definitely worth checking out.

A smart new location for this gallery that used to be located in Moseley…read more As well as Reuben's own art, there are some other beautiful collections too, including sculptures and there is even an original Picasso there at the moment! All pieces are for sale. It is a must for serious art collectors, but for those who simply like to see great works of art, it is definitely worth popping in during your lunch break or passing through on your way to something else.

This is a gorgeous little art gallery situated in the historic and picture perfect town of…read moreBournville. The thing I like best about the Purple Gallery is that they make a real effort to sell not only quality, but also sometimes locally, sourced art at reasonable prices. Sometimes in galleries, the art will all be of similar trends such as canvas paintings of scenery. What makes this gallery different is that there is a real variety of work on show and it's all for sale. When I last went there was everything from pottery to paintings, and from sculpture pieces to jewellery. I recommend going on a sunny day so you can sit outside in the sculpture garden. Perfect choice for a relaxing afternoon.

What makes the Purple Gallery a really lovely place to visit, it's not definitely just the fact…read moreit's placed at the gorgeous Bourneville. Even if it's really a plus! So if you are nearby this picturesque area of Birmingham, don't miss the Purple Gallery. I'm not a painter and have no talent for arts at all; but if I was, I would certainly try to reach the level of these artists' paintings exposed in this gallery. Not mentioning that all jewellery pieces have such a unique modern style. It has something to do with the fact they work with new artists and this gallery works with the Own Art project, which makes it affordable for all of us. If you're looking for some inquisitive pieces the price ranged at the Purple Gallery is from £20 to £500.

A stall selling great art crafts located on the Upper floor of Birmingham's Bullring…read more I visited here and was surprised at the quality and quantity of art pieces available. You can buy these digitally mastered prints for that perfect gift. They are £5 each, or if you buy 4, you get 1 FREE! Digitally produced art of famous people, I loved this stall, and found myself spending a lot of time here, not annoying the staff though, as they are quite friendly.. You can buy different sizes and the artwork is appealing and eye catching. I'd recommend this little stall for that something different.

I'm always a little bit wary about the stalls that pop up in large shopping centres. You know the…read moreones, cheap jewellery, calendars, books, Christmas decorations! I walked past the Time Art Gallery a number of times before I actually stopped to have a flick through what was on offer. They sell a variety of printed canvases which tend to be copies of famous artwork or celebrity portraits but I also saw a number of landmark paintings which looked pretty cool too. I've recently moved house so I was subconsciously thinking about buying some new art work but I didn't want to spend hundreds. Although these are copies, they are great quality and really affordable. There's a good selection for you choose from so if you're looking for something different and a bit more creative than the typical Ikea prints, you should pop down to the ground floor of the Bullring to see what's on offer.