Shelagh Swanson Oil and Glass gallery in Aberdeen promoting local art Eye-catching oil paintings hanging on the walls transform the city's granite streets in a riot of rainbow hues, while funky fused glass pendants and tableware glint and shimmer in the light. Not only is this multitude of unique art work available to buy, it is also lovingly crafted by local artists. Oil & Glass is an outlet for contemporary crafts and art in Aberdeen with a focus on paintings and glass work, with much of the work on display created by the gallery's owner Shelagh Swanson in an on-site studio. The Caithness-born artist who honed her craft at Gray's Art School launched her own gallery in 2012 to give local artists like herself a platform to promote their work. The chance came when she secured funding three years ago in a competition to set up new businesses in Torry. The gallery flourished and fast-forward 18 months, Swanson was on the lookout to expand her business, bring handmade to the High Street and make local art art accessible to everyone. Swanson has done just that in her new city centre gallery by creating a relaxed, informal space where people can not just view, buy and commission art work, but become involved in the creative process themselves. The artist describes the new Oil & Glass, which opened last month, as a gallery/studio/social retreat where she creates art in an open space, allowing patrons to watch her work - an aspect she says is unique to Aberdeen galleries. The new space also gives Swanson a greater opportunity to showcase the work of local art graduates, through a monthly revolving exhibition which will begin at the end of the month. Speaking from experience, Swanson says it's important for emerging artists to have an initial platform to display their work: It's difficult - a lot of galleries don't give new graduates a chance sometimes because it's unproven if their work will sell but I'm in a good position that my main business is my jewellery, glass and paintings and that's two thirds of the gallery. But that extra space lets me take a bit of a risk and display work I think needs to be seen. She's also more than happy to chat to patrons over a cup of tea and even let them embrace their creative side by having a go at some basic glass making as a taster for longer studio sessions on offer every Tuesday night. During the two and a half hour workshop, anyone from aspiring artists to absolute beginners can learn the basics of the Kilnformed Glass technique she uses to create jewellery, tableware and sculptures. She adds: "Art should be part of everyday life. That's why I like this new location, it's central, accessible and a nice space that people can pop into. It's all about the social aspect of making things and just having fun. I hope I can break down a few barriers and get people involved. Life can get a bit mundane sometimes so it's nice to have a creative outlet. Swanson explains more in this video produced while the gallery was based in Torry: The gallery reopens for the new year this weekend with an enticing January sale which offers customers up to 50% off selected art works. Have you picked up any pieces from the gallery yet? Share your thoughts on Oil & Glass @STVAberdeen.