Red Door Alchemist Gallery, is celebrating a very successful first year. Since opening last November Red Door has showcased work from over 50 local, national and even international artists.
Red Door operates a very different concept to almost all other galleries. It is one of the only galleries in the country to offer artists the chance to hire the gallery and run their own exclusive exhibitions. Artists keep 100% of sales revenue and get to manage and organise their own shows. The calendar is divided into two-week slots and artists can book either two or four weeks for a show.
With most galleries taking between 30%-50% commission on artist’s sales, the concept is well received from artists. It also gives exhibition opportunities to emerging artists who otherwise may struggle to get their work on the walls of more traditional galleries.
Red Door is owned and managed by Tina Kaul, an artist herself, who wanted to create a setup where she could host her own exhibition a couple of times a year, and then hand the reins over to other artists to do the same.
The concept was inspired by The Fountain Gallery in Hampton Court, who operate a very similar setup. They have just celebrated their 20-year anniversary and are testament that this kind of model can be a success.
“There’s been a fantastically positive response from the artist community during our first year, who have welcomed the different setup that Red Door offers,” says Tina Kaul. “Plus there’s always a new reason to regularly pop in to the gallery and see the next show.
“We’ve had a full array of wonderful artwork on show this year, not only paintings but some incredible 3D work, truly unique jewellery and even some fabulous painted pebbles! I just love to see how each exhibitor uses the space. Each and every show has been so wonderfully different and the standard of creativity and talent has been exceptional.”
The programme for 2020 is shaping up to be just as diverse and amazing. There are still a few slots available in the spring / early summer. If you are interested in exhibiting please do email tina@reddoorrye.com for the latest availability. Creatively themed pop-up shops are also welcome to apply to use the space.
Why Alchemist Gallery? Tina Kaul, explains: “I’ve always liked the concept of alchemy. Its wider definition simply means the magical process of transformation or creation, with its more applied definition being the ancient mystical practice of attempting to turn base metals into gold, a quest that has captured the imaginations of people for thousands of years.
“I like to think of artists as creative alchemists, practising the art of turning their imagination into pure gold, in whatever form that takes. I also use a lot of gold in my own creative work, so the concept of an Alchemist Gallery sang out to me on various levels.”
To celebrate a successful first year, Red Door invites everyone to pop in for a celebratory glass of fizz on Saturday, November 30 between 2pm and 5pm.
Final 2019 Exhibitions:
Christmas Sparkle: Wednesday, November 20 to Monday, December 2
Tina Kaul and Caroline Hellen
A festive collection of shimmering art, bespoke handmade jewellery and unique art gifts.
Essence of being: Wednesday, December to Tuesday, December 24
Iaysha Salih
An exhibition that explores quiet contemplation and meditation, travelling through the shadow of self to experience our true essence.
Further information can be found at www.reddoorrye.com
Red Door Gallery
58 Cinque Ports St, Rye TN31 7AN
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reddoorrye/
Source: Tina Kaul
Image Credits: Tina Kaul .