Dreams really do come true – as professional artist Nicky Stockley will confirm.

On October 7 a long-held ambition of opening her own gallery became reality with the official launch of Fossil Blue Gallery in Wimborne.

In fact, the gallery, in Quarterjack Mews off East Street, has been open to customers since October 1.

Her mum, Sue, who will be helping in the business, was at the reins as Nicky, a Karate black belt, was out of the country judging a competition in the Czech Republic.

Nicky said: “I’ve worked in a gallery in Swanage for the last six years but always wanted to open my own.

“This was the only area we were considering.

“Wimborne is a lovely mooching around kind of town.

“This shop came up and it was perfect.”

Nicky lives in Corfe Mullen and studied fine art at the University of Brighton before completing her Masters in illustration at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB).

She was handed the keys for what has become her new gallery at the beginning of September.

Her partner, Lewis, was among those helping to get the building ready to greet its first customers.

Fossil Blue Gallery will not just stock Nicky’s art.

The 31-year-old has built up a loyal following for her bright, stylised landscape paintings in gouache, often incorporating wildlife.

Instead it will also act as a showcase for Dorset – and Hampshire – artists and makers.

Nicky, pictured with one of her pieces of art, said: “Working in Swanage I’ve got to know so many local artists and that’s what I’ve become very passionate about.

“I want to help other up and coming artists.

“We have about 18 artists represented already.

“Hampshire and a little bit of West Sussex are included but it’s really restricted to this area.

“I know what sells and it’s the local area.

“From ceramics to blown glass, original paintings and prints to hand-crafted silver jewellery, we’re going to house a range of amazing different mediums with a price range to match.”

Sue, who is self-employed after a career in finance, said her daughter had shown artistic leanings from a very early age.

She said: “When she was just 18 months old I used to buy her a roll of lining paper, run it out on the dining room floor and give her crayons, pens, pencils and chalks.

“She would start at one end and spend all day drawing.

“I’m immensely proud of Nicky – she’s worked so hard.

“It’s very much Nicky’s gallery but the thing I can give my girls is time and support and a bit of commercial help.

“The first day was very busy and we sold a range of things including cards, candle-holders, earrings and three of Nicky’s large prints.

“The feedback has been very positive.”

Nicky, who won the over-19 category of the Dorset Arts Prize in 2017, will also use the gallery as her studio.

She said: “It’s a full-time job and I’m busy with commissions and other things all the time.

“We’ve had so much help from the other people here and everyone is so friendly.

“There really is something for everyone with prices from £3 up to around £600.

“We’re not in it for big money although a little bit would be nice!

“We want to provide a platform for local artists to grow their own small business and customer base whilst also making some profit from their talents.

“Our goal is to become a really stunning little corner of the Mews and a shop that makes people really happy to come into.”

• Fossil Blue Gallery is at 11b Quarterjack Mews, East Street, Wimborne BH21 1DS, and open from 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday.