The Rye Society of Artists Summer Exhibition private view evening is always an eagerly anticipated occasion when the artists showing at the exhibition are able to entertain their many loyal customers and friends in the forecourt of the Community Centre. It is also the opportunity for them to preview the show.
The exhibition is a mixture of art by the Society’s members and also members of the public who submitted their work for selection.
This year’s private view was very special as it is the Society’s 75th annual exhibition and, to mark this, The George in Rye have very generously given prizes totalling £1,000 for works by four of the artists. This was split equally between members and the public entries.
The Society invited Alex and Katie Clarke from The George to decide the winners and, a day or so before the exhibition opened, they were guided around the show by Nick Archer, the chairman. Whilst his advice was welcomed, he left it entirely to Alex and Katie to judge the four winners and after making a shortlist and two hours of deliberation, the final selections were made.
This enabled the presentations to the winners to be made at the private view by Alex and Katie with the Society’s vice chairman, Karl Terry.
Many congratulations to the winners – Society members Matt Hardman and Steve Duffy and to the non-members, Georgie Watson and Heather Collins. Each have received £250 and their works can be seen with an appropriate recognition at the exhibition.
The Society is very appreciative of The George in Rye’s sponsorship and support. Alex and Katie have always shown a great interest in the Society’s work and their guests will find work purchased at our exhibitions in their rooms.
Over the years, the exhibition has always been a centre of excellence for local artists and this year is no exception. It is a great magnet for visitors to the area and for many new artists the start of a successful career.
This is my twentieth year as the Society’s treasurer and I have never failed throughout this time to be amazed at the artistic talent always on display. The George’s wonderful support has made our 75th anniversary even more distinctive and recognised the Society’s importance in the art world.
Over two galleries at the Dance Hall in the Community Centre, the exhibition runs until Monday 31 August and is open daily from 10.30am to 5pm. All work is for sale and entry is free.
Image Credits: Katie Clarke .