A brand new gallery has opened in Ryde this month after local artist Izi Evans realised that locals and visitors to Union Street are often looking for locally crafted or unusual gifts and works of art.
Situated at 68 Union Street, this gallery forms a new and exciting concept in the world of Art with its main space dedicated to the work of selected artists whilst another gallery named the Union Gallery houses exhibitions of single artists, groups of artists or show the work of members of art societies.
Prior to the opening ceremony Mike Evans had said how pleased he was to support his wife Izi with this new venture which they felt would be a great asset to Ryde. He welcomed the Mayor of Ryde to perform the opening and wished Roi Milburn well after a very recent health problem.
Roi Milburn, Mayor of Ryde, said:
“Although I am no artist myself several members of my family undertake works of art in various mediums so I am very pleased to cut the ribbon at the official opening of this new Ryde Gallery.
“My good wishes to Izi and Mike Evans who have opened Ryde’s newest attraction-People’s Gallery.”
For the opening event a group of well -known Island based artists took over the Union Gallery for one of their regular exhibitions entitled ‘Island Brush Strokes’.
Following the success of their exhibition last year, held at Ventnor, the Island Brush Strokes members Peter Allen, Birgit Ackroyd, Marion Large, Becky Samuelson and Izi Evans had a new collection of their work on display. This exhibition will continue until 21st February.
The exhibition is a vibrant show of local talent with ever changing motives and range of colours, inspired by local sea views and countryside, worldwide travel and still life. All in different mediums, from watercolour on Indian rag paper, oils, acrylics, pastels, to paintings on silk are on display. This variety of original mounted paintings and prints, are complemented by greeting cards and other smaller works.
In People’s Gallery main exhibition area the work on show included pieces from Sally Woodford (ceramics), Sophia Flowers , Loren Brooks, C.A. Pavey, Sheila Luke , Peter Cornes, Carly Groves, Claire Shahaivar, Lis Toft (ceramics), Anne Axford and Malcolm Winter.
Press release issued by Alan and Suzanne Whitewood
