A BRAND-new gallery to feature local and international artists will be opening in the borough.

A recent graduate in fine art, Nadiya Pavliv-Tokarska, will be launching the Tokarska Gallery in Forest Road, Walthamstow, on Thursday March 24, from 6pm to 9pm and it is open to the local community.

Ukranian-born Miss Tokarska, 41, and a former Walthamstow resident, said she wanted to create a space in the community to feature creative works from local and international artists.

Since the idea of opening a gallery came to her in 2008, with the help of other individuals in the art world, they have been able to lease the building for the next four years.

She added: “I have a passion for art and a love for Walthamstow and its diverse culture, so it feels like a natural step to open a beautiful art space that the community can share and enjoy.

“I have experienced an overwhelming sense of community and support from local residents and public projects and am delighted to make Walthamstow my art destination of choice.

“Being on the doorstep of central London, we are raising and developing the creative profile of Walthamstow’s artistic community as well as delivering a quality arts attraction to the city.”

The debut exhibition will be dedicated to Nadiya’s body of original cityscape paintings of London, entitled ‘Lost & Found', and will be open to the public from March 25 to May 28, every Thursday to Saturday, or by appointment.

Following that, the gallery will showcase work from other emerging talents, both British and international.

Tokarska Gallery will be a host gallery this September during the E17 Arts Trail festival, which holds over 200 exhibitions and events in open houses, studios, galleries, streets and gardens.