The Creative Corner in Galway’s Westend

The award-winning Just Art It is a boutique art store and workshop space that supplies people with the tools they need to connect with their creativity. Discover all about this creative corner in Galway's Westend right here...

Owned and run by artist and print-maker Elena Santos. When Elena first arrived in Galway in 2012 she set out to find a place where she could be herself and pursue her artistic career. It was in Galway’s Westend where Elena was able to achieve just that. She opened Just Art it in 2017 with the aim of bringing a wealth of art and creativity to this community which offered her a home. As a result of her hard-work, values, and interests, today Just Art It is far more than an art shop but a space that evokes a sense of creativity and connection with all who come in the door.

Within every aspect of Just Art It, you’ll notice the love and care that Elena has put into her business. All of the artwork, supplies, prints, postcards, notebooks, tote bags and gift sets have their own story as each item has been created through a labour of love. All of the art materials were handpicked by Elena herself, so rest assured that everything here is artist approved! It is thanks to her respect for slow craft and the manual processes which can’t be achieved by large companies, that Elena has the freedom to work closely, and creatively, with small, family-run producers, and by doing so bring something unique to Just Art It.

All Just Art It’s own products are made in-house from concept to customer, and they are eco-friendly, and non toxic, with a strong emphasis on zero packaging and waste. One such notebook, designed by Elena, can be used in full right down to the biodegradable binding which contains flower seeds. Here, you’ll also find the quirky ‘well, it’s not pizza’ gift boxes, as well as the ‘Unbox and Create’ line of sustainable gift sets, and Penpal sets for writing letters - these are all ideal presents for the festive season ahead! Along with other professional Irish artists, Elena’s own artwork is available to purchase in store and all the stunning original printmaking artworks can be seen displayed on the shop walls. Elena’s original prints include her series of letterpress prints of motivational phrases, the gorgeous Irish language proverbs on top of Galway inspired designs and our favourite GRÁ and MÓR screenprints.

In addition to the art shop they also offer a framing service, a wide range of art classes and courses, and even drumming courses through their sister business and next door neighbour Soundtrack & Podcast, which Elena co-founded with her husband Alan Preims. And, if you have any suggestions for new content in Gaeilge for their line of bilingual products, they have Bosca Moltaí in store that all are welcome to contribute to!

To learn more, visit Just Art It at 33 Dominick Street Lower, and online at www.justartitgalway.com

All photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.