I duly spent a rewarding time in Ramsgate, sketching, then Norway and finally Australia and New Zealand via Bangkok and Los Angeles. All very exciting for me -- and to Paul in a different way. He was worn to a frazzle coping with his framing business, housekeeping and curating the Flights of Fancy exhibition. From all accounts this surpassed things we had done previously when there were three people to run things. In the end he had to call on two long-suffering friends, without whom the show would not have been ready on time. What is abundantly clear is that it is not possible for one person to manage the Gallery on a permanent basis without help. This is not a plea for volunteers but a long-term matter to which we must give some thought. I am doing my best to last forever but I would be in the Guinness Book of Records if I succeed.
Put on my mettle by Paul's success, the Xmas Show became a good follow-up, augmented as it was by work from Down Under.
We are now all fresh and ready to tackle the well advanced New Year.
We start with a bang: in March, a Richard Eurich centenary exhibition of over 50 paintings here, part of the celebrations of his birth dotted about the country.
Later in the Spring, we're reviving a format from the 90s: on July 12th / 13th 2003 (11am - 4.30pm) there will be an Open Portfolio Weekend with about 7 artists in attendance, showing and selling prints from their portfolios. Names confirmed so far include: Jill Bray*; Dilys Bryon (last - & first - shown here @ Xmas Show '01); Sarah James*; Jacqui Mair; Elizabeth Nash (last - & first - shown here @ Flights of Fancy Autumn '02); Joe Low, the photographer; Margery Clarke herself.
* new exhibitor.
Late September is yet another anniversary to celebrate: 150 years since the birth of Arthur Mattinson Architect at Leisure, an accomplished watercolourist and the architect who worked on the planning and erection of Blackpool Tower. The touring exhibition Architect at Leisure includes material on both aspects and will be at The First from 20 September-4 October.
That brings us to the annual Xmas Show which will be from
15th - 23rd November 2003.
We are considering an outdoor show in the Secret Sculpture Garden for next year (postponed from May 2003). We have had offers from the witty sculptor Allan Bennett; blacksmith Charles Normandale has agreed to "throw himself about" producing things (intriguing); Ruth Barker, first shown here at Xmas, would support it with outdoor hanging ceramics. There are some Lotte Glob ceramic sculptures available and we would like to belatedly celebrate Clive Bowen's 60th birthday (if he is not exhausted after his major exhibition of woodfired pots now showing at Rufford Craft Centre).
Looking at this year's programme, we wonder how it came about that every show is a birthday celebration! There are mutterings and rumblings of other plans for 2004 not yet crystallized. One thing is certain: the only exhibition celebrating a birthday will be the Xmas one.
Once again we do thank you all for your loyal support. I am particularly appreciative of the practical help and friendly support given to Paul in my absence. This and the encouragement extended to us over the years warm the cockles of our hearts. Can I say more except "Please continue!"
Looking forward to seeing you, and good wishes to one and all.
MARGERY