by Milton Johanides

Created on: November 23, 2009   Last Updated: November 24, 2009

There was a time when Fuengirola, on the Costa del Sol in Spain, was just a quiet fishing town with few cultural pretensions. Occasional art displays were held at the local "Casa de la Cultura", but serious exhibitions were reserved for the more cosmopolitan centres of Marbella and Malaga. But in February 2005, a 450 square metre space just north of the Three Horses' Head junction in the east of the town was taken over by a group of international artists and turned into an open art gallery. The concept of "art for the people" was born on the Costa del Sol. It was called the Riviera Gallery, its aim being to gather under one roof as much of the local artistic output as it could and to make it generally available to the ordinary public. Reasonable prices meant that almost anyone could afford to purchase an original work of art.

For many years this part of Southern Spain had been a haven for artists from all over the world who were drawn to the stunning sea and sky panorama, the rolling Spanish plains, and the colourful culture of Spain itself, but no real co-ordinated effort had ever been made to exhibit the wonderful work available.

Instantly the Riviera Gallery was inundated by applications for private exhibitions. The artists paid for their own space and, as it was so large, more than twenty-five artists were able to exhibit at any one time. No real themes or parameters were in force, so at any one time talented beginners might be sitting next to published professionals. The effect on the general visitor was stunning, as numerous comments, articles and TV reports testify. It was not just a talent contest, it was about producing a cocktail of artistic aspiration and leaving the public and artist alike uplifted and inspired.

It proved a great success, both commercially and as a public service, with a lot of art being sold as well as admired, mainly during the monthly art preview evenings. And it wasn't just art that was for sale; under the same roof, there was a Picture Framing workshop where artists could choose frames and canvasses, an Academy where art classes were held for children and adults, and a Parisian style caf where artists and art lovers could exchange information and ideas.

Among those who exhibited were such luminaries as the Yorkshire naturalist, Ted Reynolds (who once exhibited alongside Hockney and John Hoyland); the Irish surrealist, Roger Cummiskey; and award winning Scottish sculptor Wendy Ross. Over the three years of its life, artists

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