A North Yorkshire chocolate shop is giving emerging artists the chance to shine.
Mocha Chocolate Shop and cafe, located on the Aske country estate just outside Gilling West, opens on October 12 and now doubles as a gallery space, offering a colourful new display area for up-and-coming artists.
With public exhibition spaces dwindling due to rising costs, the shop’s nine-metre art wall is already fully booked until the new year.
Artist Jennifer Batchelor(Image: Supplied)
The first artist to be featured is Jennifer Batchelor, a Melsonby-based artist currently studying at Falmouth University.
“We wanted a space for new or emerging artists to display their work, to give them a platform which they might not be able to afford otherwise.
“The artists we hope to display won’t always reflect our own tastes, but that’s the point, to showcase new talent and to provide people with all sorts of tastes the opportunity to talk about art, the emotions it stirs up.
Mocha Chocolate Shop and cafe(Image: Supplied)
“If nothing else, it’ll maybe start conversations, the very thing coffee shops were intended for and are sadly lacking in these on-line days.
“Plus it helps bring people to see our chocolate-making den and enjoy a fab cup of barista coffee while they’re here.”
Ms Batchelor began creating art in 2019, using quiet moments to inspire her introspective and celestial imagery.
Her work often features birds as symbols of freedom, blending comfort with darker, reflective undertones.
The new gallery space aims to highlight creative talent from across North Yorkshire while enhancing the overall cafe experience for visitors.
Mocha is known for its hand-made luxury chocolates and previously supplied No 10 during the last government.
The business has been operating since 2013 and runs two locations, including its original shop in Richmond Market Square.