I really want a snail! Not a real snail, but a swirling, pretty, glittery snail, painted on canvas…read moreby Dawn Crothers. These are sold at Whalley Gallery, which Dawn and her husband Stephen Whalley both own and run. As well as Dawn's work, there's an array of paintings and sculptures by local and international contemporary artists on display. Additionally the gallery offers a framing service, corporate away days/ art classes and an interior design consultation service. A beautiful, bright space showcasing beautiful artwork, which was a pleasure to visit 03/08/07 as part of EastSide Festival, Late Night Art Bus Tour.

I first came to hear of Stephen Whalley some time ago as one of his prints was for sale on a well…read moreknown discounts website, and the print in question was one that I knew my friend would love, so I bought it for her birthday. Despite being in Holywood a fair bit, I had not noticed this gallery until after I bought the print and on seeing it, decided to go in and have a look at the rest of his work. The studio features artwork not just from Stephen whalley, but a wide range of other Northern Irish artists and sculptors. They also offer services such as valuation and insurance for artwork. It was a lovely way to pass a lunchtime, maybe if I save up enough, I can buy an original for myself!

Fiddlesticks is one of those shops which feels quite small but has an amazing amount of things to…read morebuy! Jewellery, pictures, candles, furniture, lighting, table ware - and many of the lovely trinkets are surprisingly affordable. It's perfect for teacher's gifts, birthday presents, and treats for your own self too, because you're worth it of course! I love the big chunky bracelets and necklaces they do with lots of bling hanging off them - hearts and coins and that kind of thing. Bracelets are about £12 and necklaces £30ish so it's affordable and they look much more expensive than that. I also have a lovely chunky Perspex ring which cost me a rather pure friendly £7 and which I wear almost every day. Other good buys are the candles in tins. I bought one for the hostess of a dinner party I was going to and she loved it . Oh yes, must confess I bought one for myself too - cinnamon is a much better smell around the house than my boys' smelly trainers. There are also small pieces of furniture - mostly painted shabby chic style which I love.

Besides being a cosy gift shop where you can find special cards and presents for various age groups…read more- many were directed at the 21 year milestone I noticed - there's also a picture framing service. They also sell ready made fine art prints which are displayed upstairs along with lamps and pine furniture. Upstairs has a completely different character to the ground level, where there are lots of silvery picture frames, bags, jewellery and small gifts including some incense sticks in lovely Chinese packaging which would have been a pretty gift even without the contents. The day I was there a girl was being treated to a cup cake stand, a Cath Kidston one, for her 14th birthday present. She and her mother were being well looked after by the friendly, helpful assistant. It's just the place for spoiling an important person in the nicest way, even with something small like bath stuff, candles, soaps and scented potions.

Arts and conference centre Belmont church tower, I've been in here once and I was impressed, lovely…read morebuilding inside and out, there's notice boards with local events and business advertising inside.

Framewerk mainly appear to offer bespoke framing for art, prints or photographs. However it's also…read morea tiny gallery space. During the 03/08/17 EastSide Art Bus Tour this was one of the smallest spaces we stopped at. There was an interesting exhibit on by Rachael Campbell-Palmer called Edgelands, which included plant installations and drawings. I'm not 100% sure about the meaning of this artwork but think it referred to city environments/ society and associated unkempt, overgrown areas - literally the edgelands, as per the exhibition title. I liked it immensely, especially the drawing. Framewerk also hold various events such as Flea Markets etc. A pretty cool, quirky, interesting little spot.

This place is a lot of things. Primarily trading as a picture frame fitters…read more Though the cost for that is quite higher they seem to do a good job. Fitting 2d frames as well as more 3D ones for sports memorabilia etc. They also host many music and visual art events and sometimes also workshops. They are usually open for late night ft the first Thursday of the month.

On a recent tour, part of Eastside Arts Festival 2017, someone on the bus mentioned that they…read morewanted to see some 'proper art'. By this they meant no more installation or conceptual art, instead they wanted art in more 'traditional' forms, such as painting, drawing and sculpture. Luckily enough, our next stop was ArtisAnn Gallery. I must admit that I too am enthusiastic about 'proper art' and this is just what you'll find here. However, it's not old-fashioned or boring, instead ArtisAnn is packed with exciting, contemporary, inspirational art that'll make you wish you had the wall space and money to buy it all! A truly fantastic spot showing both established and emerging Artists. I can't really describe in words just how beautiful this gallery is or how wonderful the work on display is - instead it's best to visit in person to see, enjoy and buy for yourself. Prepare to be bedazzled!

From the owner: ArtisAnn Gallery is a new gallery based on Bloomfield Avenue in East Belfast selling high quality…read moreart. This friendly new gallery in East Belfast, features emerging and established artists working in a range of styles and mediums. Occupying two floors, a monthly themed exhibition programme is on the first floor, while the ground floor is arranged Salon Style, with the intent of displaying as many amazing art works as possible. It is owned by Ann and Ken Bartley, who have twenty years experience in the art world as artists, collectors and curators. The gallery has a friendly and fuss-free atmosphere, and offers a friendly, knowledgeable service to suit every art lover, whether it is for home, business or for a special occasion.

I never knew Bath House existed until introduced to it by Belfast Art Tours (Bus and Walking Tours)…read moreon 03/08/17. Located behind Templemore Swimming Baths, having previously been home to the swimming pool caretaker, the building has now been commandeered by a group of local Artists who run it as an exhibition space. Because it's a small, red-brick house it manages to feel warm and inviting whilst showcasing contemporary, dynamic work. This welcoming vibe's a huge bonus as so many art spaces can feel cold and unwelcoming. I absolutely loved community organisation, Infinity Farm's bee garden - designed specifically to attract and nourish bees. This was perfectly complemented by Diving Station, an audio-installation by Colm Clarke. All of this was on display in a small outside courtyard area. Inside Bath House there was an exhibition of intriguing black and white geometric drawings by Gary Shaw. I also enjoyed the fact that the Artists were there in person to give a brief talk about their art, its meaning and inspiration. Templemore Swimming Bath is still a fully functioning swimming pool in which Bath House hold art events such as poolside watercolour classes, complete with catering by local Chefs! Probably one of my favourite art spaces in Belfast.