Nineteen painters and a sculptor display their talents in an impressive new exhibition at the Creative Centre in New Road as part of the Rye Arts Festival, writes Kenneth Bird, and the resident artists opened their studios to the public last Saturday, September 19, to give talks about their work.
Nick Archer (pictured above with one of his paintings), a post graduate of the Royal Academy School (RAS), moved to the Rye area about 12 years ago and was the first person to take up a studio at the Creative Centre. He earns a living through his painting, but also teaches print-making and runs life classes.
Paula MacArthur, another RAS postgraduate, lives at Stone in Oxney and paints mostly in oils. One of her works is featured, right. She spoke highly of the creative ambience at the Centre, with artists collaborating in building up a programme of exhibitions through the year. Jillian Eldridge, who also paints mainly in oils, appreciated the proximity to the artists’ studios of a permanent exhibition space. The exhibition runs Monday to Friday 10am–3pm, entry free.
Photos by Kenneth Bird