Thankfully the snow and ice had cleared sufficiently for us to head to Newport on Saturday night, for the Quay Arts Open Exhibition preview and prize giving.
The gallery was packed to the brim with artists and art-lovers alike, all waiting to hear the results of the prize-giving.
The biennial exhibition, which runs until 5 February 2011, has an amazing selection of work across a wide variety of mediums; painting; mixed media; photography; textiles; wood; assemblage; video; print and interactive works.
Island artist, David Firmstone made the introduction to the prize-giving, thanking all those involved (see official thanks from Quay Arts Centre below) before passing over to Carinthia West (pictured below) for the prize-giving.
Taking first prize, which will be a solo exhibition at Quay Arts in The West Gallery in autumn 2011, was Southsea artist, Katayoun Dowlatshahi with her piece, ‘Liminal’.
The judges felt that the formal inventiveness and artistic purpose of the artist’s work shone out and it shows that the artist has the potential to step up to the mark of having a solo show in The West Gallery’s beautiful and challenging space.
Second prize, a solo exhibition at Quay Arts in the Rope Store Gallery in autumn 2012, went to Deborah Richards from Finchdean, Hampshire for ‘Early Morning over Culver Cliff’.
The judges responded to an obvious love of place that came from the artist’s work – the Island’s special atmosphere obviously means a lot to the artist. They could see that the work that might emerge in the next two years would merit a show in the Quay’s Rope Store Gallery.
Third prize went to Island artist, Joanne Hummel-Newell for her piece, ‘The Sami’ which was purchased and will become part of the Quay’s permanent collection.
Joanne from Ryde, Isle of Wight has exhibited in group shows in London, New York, Germany and Rome, as well as with Galleries nearer to home such as The Bargate Gallery, Southampton, Eldon Gallery, Portsmouth University, gASP Artspace, Portsmouth and Quay arts, Boojum and Snark on the Isle of Wight. Her mediums include painting, drawing, sculpture and animation. She says ‘The work here responds to elements of decay, deterioration, time and change. I try to represent a neglected wall, rusted surface or the marks discovered behind Billboard posters hung years previously. This series is constructed by building up the surface in layers, then sanding and scraping to expose marks previously made.’
Congratulations to everyone who took part in the competition, the exhibition is well worth a trip (or two) to Newport for. Highly recommended.
Click on images for larger versions
Centre can only survive with support of the public
Before announcing the winners, Carinthia, daughter of Christine and Michael West who founded Quay Arts Centre, stressed how important it was for the public to buy the art that is displayed there. Exhibitions such as these could not exist without the sales.
Grants funding for the centre makes up only 15% of the annual funding, with the remainder coming from the commercial arm of the organisation.
Most of the items for sale at Quay Arts can be purchased through the Own Art Scheme run by the Arts Council.
It provides interest free loans, allowing you to pay for the item over ten monthly instalments.
If something takes your fancy at the Open exhibition, why not consider this scheme. It’s a great way to have amazing original art in your own home.
