For two days over the weekend of August 9 and 10, Rye Art Gallery was busy with people attending their summer fair, taking place to support the conservation and restoration of the gallery’s historic archive spaces to preserve Rye’s rich artistic legacy for future generations.
Inside the gallery were several tables selling, at very affordable prices, prints, paintings and ceramics by local and regional artists. Outside on the terrace was a further stall selling scarves, t-shirts, sewing and craft sets, jewellery and posters. These were doing brisk business particularly on Saturday, with many people in town for the smugglers and pirates day.
In glorious sunny weather, visitors were drawn into the gallery from the High Street but also from Ockman Lane, off East Street, where a Pimm’s bar offered a refreshing drink and a chance to sit on the gallery’s terrace to admire the view across the Salts, the Rother and the marsh.
On both days there were tours led by Dr Julian Day, the curator, who took visitors around the gallery and behind the scenes, giving them fascinating insights into the collection.
Those who ventured in on Sunday afternoon experienced a real treat with the photographer and artist, Terry Hulf and his group, playing a wonderful selection of folk music, surrounded by his black and white photographs of the marsh.
As part of the fundraising effort, there is a raffle with some fantastic prizes: first prize is an oil painting by Karl Terry Rother Sunset, second a watercolour by Claire Fletcher Tulips, Bumblebees and Ladybirds, and third prize is a delicate ceramic tealight by Joanne Terry. Other prizes include art materials donated by ArtWrite; a Sussex Modernism book by Hope Wolf; a unique ceramic teapot; a bundle of Cambridge imprint paperchain decorations; a Little Masher stamp-it t-shirt kit; Rye Art Gallery cotton tote bag; a bottle of Pimm’s; Fortnum and Mason sparkling tea; and Rye Bay eBike voucher. Tickets were on sale over the weekend and can be purchased in the gallery until the draw which takes place on August 23.
It was a lovely event for all involved – visitors, volunteers and staff – and it was fantastic to see the gallery full of people, enjoying the gallery space, the garden, the stalls and the art.
Image Credits: Juliet Duff .