Wendy Bowker, a Liverpudlian through and through, is the kind of woman who brings energy into a room simply by walking into it. Sharp-eyed, warm-voiced and refreshingly direct, she carries the grounded confidence of someone who has lived several lives already — interior design student, prison officer, business consultant and gallery owner.
She is both practical and visionary: the sort who can talk passionately about colour, light and creative freedom one moment, then shift seamlessly into the hard realities of running a gallery, supporting artists, and building community, the next. Wendy has a natural instinct for people — their stories, their talents, their struggles — and she folds that understanding into everything she does. They find a ready listener and wisdom to still their worries and concerns. She is plain spoken and gets to the heart of the matter quickly, never worried by being outspoken.
Her gallery, Washhouse and Parlour on the Strand, reflected her character: open, inclusive, a little rebellious and always honest. She dislikes pretension and believes wholeheartedly that art should be accessible, nourishing, and welcoming to all. There is a courage in the way she works, a willingness to disrupt old hierarchies and create space for voices that might otherwise be overlooked.
Yet beneath her boldness lies a warm generosity. Wendy cheers for others, champions local talent and speaks with an authenticity rooted in her working-class upbringing. She is determined, adaptable and unafraid to carve her own path — not for glory, but because she wants to make something real, something meaningful, something that invites people in.
Sadly, Wendy’s gallery has now closed but she is ready to embark on an exhilarating new journey. It’s time for Wendy to shine – welcome to FRAMED!
Exciting new horizons: welcome to FRAMED
Wendy Bowker is not just any builder: she’s a visionary forging pathways for ideas, opportunities, and community. Rye is undeniably richer for her presence.
Wendy explains her plans for the future. “As our world evolves, the need for a dynamic digital art gallery presence becomes essential, and I am poised to spearhead this transformation. Imagine a vibrant art trail snaking through Rye, bringing art to life in every nook and cranny. FRAMED will be a fresh, contemporary hub, where creativity meets community spirit.”
But that’s just the beginning. Wendy envisions an engaging podcast series where she chats with artists, locals, and—why not?—the occasional celebrity, delving into the stories and inspirations that fuel their creativity. This will create an intimate connection between creators and the community, bringing art conversations to the forefront.
Wendy continues, “And let’s not forget the thrilling annual ARTRYE 100! This ground-breaking fundraiser will feature 100 unique pieces of art, each available through a blind ticket purchase for £100. It’s a bold way to celebrate creativity while supporting local artists. More on this soon, so stay tuned!”
Wendy Bowker is set to redefine the artistic landscape of Rye through FRAMED, combining digital innovation with local flair. Get ready for a movement that celebrates creativity, community, and connection like never before!
If you want to know more or to understand her vision, seek out Wendy and have a discussion.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .