The Desmond Fountain Gallery has opened its doors at Elbow Beach having spent months trying to find a new home.Sculptor Desmond Fountain opened the new gallery just before Christmas the grand opening will take place next month.“When offered the space, which was formally two retail outlets, it didn’t take longer than a couple of seconds to make the decision,” he said.“What a fantastic location, great parking, easy access and a terrific gallery space with 57 feet of window frontage.”The gallery operated out of the Emporium Building on Front Street from 2000 to 2006.It closed because we took a long hard look at all the indicators and they pointed to a deep recession. Having also forecast the 1990 one, I was well aware of what needed to be done. To cut the details, it was better for staff to find job security elsewhere whilst the economy was still perceived as buoyant, than to continue with the gallery, against the odds. We closed down everything that was non-essential.Mr Fountain began looking for a new location earlier this year.“Art stirs the soul, raises our spirits and enhances our lives,” he said.“Significantly, it is the unit of measure by which we historically have judged civilisation.“For me there had to be another gallery as there was nowhere spacious enough to accommodate my works on a permanent exhibition basis.“It is very difficult to move over a ton of sculptures from pillar to post, and whilst editions are still current, there needs to be an example of each one on exhibit for collectors to view.“There was a significant investment in bronzes that were not being seen, which made this new gallery a vital project for me.”The gallery primarily showcases Mr Fountain’s work. Other artists on display include Dan Dempster, Sheilagh Head, Kevin Morris, Eldon Trimingham III, Henry Ward and Charles Zuill.“When we were in the Emporium Building, we enjoyed a very public exposure. Here at Elbow we will need to make sure that all art lovers will be aware of where we are and help return us to the status of a must-see destination in all the travel publications, as was our last gallery.“So in answer to your question, we will be aiming to provide changing shows to provide fresh exhibits for our residents, as well as visitors.”Mr Fountain expressed confidence that people would still buy art despite the current poor economy.“Whilst there is uncertainty over the reliability of paper investments which can have their values disappear into thin air, many are turning to fine art which has great investment potential.“What’s more, one always has the artwork at the end of the day, no matter what financial calamities occur.“A great friend is always saying, ‘the time for creative opportunity is when most of the world thinks the glass is half-empty. The Desmond Fountain Gallery is an example of what happens when the glass is perceived as half-full.”Hours are 11am to 8pm Monday through Saturday and 1pm to 5pm Sundays.For more information, visit www.desmondfountaingallery.com, telephone 232-3955, 747-3955 or 599-4349 or e-mail: fountaingallery@logic.bm.