Following a very successful showcase event at Quay Arts in which Island artists displayed their work in the West Gallery there was much interest in the Open Studios event. Artists were invited to display their work at Quay Arts as an introduction to this year’s Open Studio event which was on across the Island for 11 days.
Most of the artists who opened their studios or joined with other artists in community venues reported good responses to viewings and plenty of footfall. Some of those who viewed particular studios said how much they had enjoyed looking at the art work as well as looking at the artists workshops and gardens. Tea and cake and cold drinks were available in some venues-much appreciated in the very hot weather.
Running now until 15th October is another exhibition in the West Gallery at Quay Arts. Forming part of Quay Arts celebration of the 40 years of the venue this exhibition features 40 works.
This is the Inaugural Summer Exhibition of the Contemporary British Painting group. Founded by Robert Prizeman in conjunction with Simon Carter in 2013, the group was formed to seek ways to explore and promote current trends in British painting through group exhibitions, talks, publications, an art prize and the donation of paintings to art museums both in the UK and around the world. It is the first time such art work has been on display at Quay Arts.
One Island artist belongs to the Contemporary British Painting group Freya Purdue. Her studio is at Osborne where she can undertake the painting of her larger works in her own space. Freya has two large pieces on show at Quay Arts within the exhibition. By contacting Georgia Newman at Quay Arts, it was Freya who was instrumental in bringing this unique exhibition to fruition.
Gallery talks and tours by artists from the group will take place throughout the summer and a ‘response’ exhibition in the Clayden Gallery by students from Atkinson House and The Foyer will run from 20th August.
Being staged over the first weekend of August is an event at Binnel Studios, St Lawrence. In this secluded area of the Island are the studios of six fully-established artists who work from the former Isle of Wight Glassworks. Exhibiting a wide variety of artwork, across all mediums all work is available to just view or for purchase.
Potter, Molly Attrill has been creating her works of art for over 40 years. Award-winning ceramic sculptor, Matthew Chambers has his work widely exhibited in galleries in the UK and internationally. Jane Cox is cited as one of “the Top Ten collectable potters currently working in the UK” by Patricia Morrison in The Guardian, Painter, David Firmstone has landscapes and seascapes of the Isle of Wight, Guido Oakley creates unique pieces of sculpture and Celia Wilkinson studied painting at St Martin’s College and has exhibited widely in the UK and abroad.
Meanwhile People’s Gallery in Ryde is organising two open exhibitions, in their Union Gallery. First up is ‘All Island Art’ 16th – 21st August-an exhibition of original work, prints, photographs any medium any genre, but the subject matter has a strong connection with the Island. Artists with their Island works were so keen to exhibit in this new space that it booked out in 4 hours.
Second is ‘ Art Cares’ 20th – 25th September. This is original work only with each artist exhibiting, donating an original piece of work, in any form for an auction where the public will be invited to make sealed bids. All the proceeds will go the hospice. This is an ideal way to support the hospice with the bonus of owning an original piece of work from an Island artist