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January 2020. Leonard and I both smiled as we walked into Omolayo Art Gallery. “Excuse me, guys. You’re welcome to Omolayo Art Gallery! Please how may I be of help?” The charming lady guide asked as we tried to contain our excitement through the soft music playing in the background. “Ah yes, my friend and I will like to have a look around.” I replied.
Back outside of the gallery, the Lagos City Mall was only beginning to kickoff daily operations. A few cars occupied the parking area, escalators were virtually empty and stores were only starting to open. The time was around nine-thirty a.m.
Situated on the second floor of the mall, it takes two flights of escalators to arrive at the doorsteps of this art gallery. A huge signage and a couple of metal sculptures are the first set of things that are noticeable about the artsy location.
Here’s why I think it’s absolutely okay to visit Omolayo Art Gallery.
#1. TRAINING PROGRAM
Anyone who’s seen my previous reviews on Henrimoweta and El Carvar Art Gallery would know for sure that I’ve got a likeness for galleries which run training programs specifically for kids.
The Omolayo Gallery ‘Young @ Art Children Workshop’ is organised all year round and is focused on kids and teenagers aged four to nineteen years.
The vision of the Founder, Mr Omolayo Biodun is to develop and boost the creative potential of children using visual, literary and performing arts. And the workshop covers drawing, painting, creative writing and thinking, sculpture, ceramics and paper craft sessions to mention a few.
Workshop Fees
- Short Term Sessions – *2,500 Naira per hour (minimum of three hours)
- Registration Form – *10,000 Naira (new members only)
- Weekend Sessions – *30,000 Naira for four weeks (Saturdays only)
- Christmas Holidays – *35,000 Naira
- Easter Holidays – *45,000 Naira
- Summer Holidays – *50,000 Naira (four weeks)
- Free for all children from orphanages and special homes
*prices and services are subject to change.
#2. BEADWORK
I smiled at each of the two large beadwork mounted in front of me. It was just as I’d seen on Channels Television Arthouse and in person, these pieces are really nothing short of superficial.
Crafted by Olaniyi Sunday, one of the beadwork was Mark Zuckerberg while the other, Davido. They are both unique!
#3. MINIATURE PIECES
Tiny bits of art forms especially the Festac 77′ heads are dominant in this gallery and I really liked all of em!
Made with bronze, some of these pieces are encased in glass while others stand alone as busts.
They’re feel-good artworks and I think you should purchase one whenever you’re visiting.
#4. FLEXIBLE SPACE
From an exhibition room, art gallery to a workshop, the Omolayo Art Gallery is a fairly simple space that can be easily converted depending on the size of occupants.
How is this possible?
Visiting this gallery is the first time that I saw how moveable cabinets could make a space look flexible.
The cabinets function as walls for hanging art pieces and as ample storage areas. Fact is each cabinet is about a metre thick and can contain well over twenty artworks.
Whenever workshops are organised in the gallery, the cabinets are rolled to corners to allow students interact conveniently with their teachers.
#5. ART DIVERSITY
Trust me, I’m not overselling Omolayo Art Gallery because it is stacked up with a diverse art collection.
In here, you’ll discover bronze, metal and bead works, sculptures, abstract, mixed media and oil paintings to mention a bunch.
Many of the art pieces on display are works of Mr Omolayo Biodun while a few belong to other amazing artists from across the globe.
Mr Omolayo paints a whole lot and whenever you visit, you’ll be opportune to have a firsthand look at his brushes, palettes, oils, acrylics, varnishes, canvas, easel and special clean-up equipment.
Conclusion
Hope you had fun reading about Omolayo Art Gallery as much as I did writing about it.
Kindly share with me in the comments what you like most about this Gallery.
Have you visited Omolayo Art Gallery in the past? What about the Lagos City Mall?
Let me know in the comments.
Follow Omolayo Art Gallery on Instagram @OmolayoGallery
Cheers to more adventures!
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ERICOTRIPS 
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