From Wheels to Walls: A Bus Transformed into an Art Gallery
All Aboard the Circular Art Space Gallery — The Art Bus!
Circular Art Space Gallery with Carys Mural - the_artful_craven
One man’s vision is quickly transforming into a community hub for creativity. Italian Guglielmo, partner of Artist TG Freeson, now turned CIC gallery owner and his team, have brought this bus to life — a once-retired bus that now serves as a vibrant exhibition space for local artists.
Parked (currently SORN with a 5 year carpark contract) in The Crafty Egg, Fishponds branch car park, the bus helps fund itself in a clever way: the modest display fees paid by artists go directly toward the rent and repayment of the bus and any exhibition supplies required such as a gazebo for the Sunday market, all back into supporting the artists. It’s not just a vehicle — it’s becoming a platform for imagination, collaboration, and community.
The Circular Art Space CIC is tucked away in The Crafty Egg’s secret garden seating area within the carpark located to the side of Natwest in Fishponds. Here, you can enjoy coffee (watching the world go by), conversation, and creativity while browsing work from emerging and established artists. Exhibitions change every four weeks, with each show running for around 3-3.5 weeks weeks — meaning there’s always something fresh to see. The current exhibition is open until 27th September. I’m not showing this month, but I still want to shine a light on this wonderfully quirky gallery: https://circularartspace.co.uk/exhibition
The last crowd of folk enjoying the gallery during the opening of a recent show
Many people think fine art is out of reach, but I believe it can be affordable and accessible. My original work starts at just £20 for a sketch and £45 for a painting — with most A4–A3 pieces under £95. The showstoppers which are sufficiently more at £200-£1500 reflect both the years I’ve dedicated to learning my craft (continue to do so) and the hope of making art my living one day, with those taking that bit longer and more mental concentration, but all my art is a piece of me, whether show stopper or something I have become proficient in and so feel I can charge a bit less. Plus, I also turn my designs into mugs, T-shirts, stickers, and cards — so there’s something for every budget.
It is the connection to the piece beyond the sum of it’s parts. and I am always amazed what someone will connect to, something I just created alone in the studio not knowing its person was waiting to discover it. Or indeed if anyone would like it at all. Just create because it feels good to paint.
Of course, buying isn’t the only way to enjoy art. Exhibitions are free to attend, and the experience itself — the laughter, the conversations, the immersion into creativity, a family afternoon out — is priceless. And who knows? You might just leave with a piece that feels like home and meant for you.
Chris Shopland with his art during the Fishponds Art trail 2025 - I don’t much enjoy posing for photos, can you tell? But the Art trail was a lot of fun, and I was able to have more of the bus than usual.
Looking ahead, there are even plans for a second, travelling bus gallery — an idea already embraced in other cities, and one that could bring art directly to even more people.
So, all aboard — no bus fare required!
✨ Free exhibitions | Artist display fee £35 , £25 for sculpture, for those who wish to showcase their art
🎨 My Commissions also open for bespoke work
Let’s fill this city with art!
