Our thanks to Kim Purton, Trustee at Quay Arts Centre, for sharing with readers her reflection of the past year and hopes for 2025. Ed
To be totally transparent, I am a trustee at the Quay Arts so my point of view is biased, but not necessarily wrong!
After reflecting over the quality and diverse work exhibited at the Quay Arts over the year, I felt duty-bound to put pen to paper and congratulate all those involved (perhaps with a bit too much hyperbole, but I hope you will permit a proud trustee that).
A strong start
We started the year strong with the show-stopping Ad Astra from Shademakers, to seeing 2024 out with the jaw-dropping sculptural exhibition from Steve Baxter (below) who boldly uses domestic objects, morphing them into exciting new creations (on until 25th January, if you haven’t seen it yet – do!).
Such considered curation by our talented Arts team
Each exhibition has made me gasp in awe and delight, not only from the excellence of the work displayed, but also the considered curation by our talented Arts team, who planned such a fantastic journey of creativity for us this year.
Although I am usually a little sad to see an exhibition leave the walls of the West Gallery, this year there has been no time to feel any loss before the next striking chapter is upon us.
From the loud boisterousness of the Leap Then Look project, to the calm and reflective tutors’ exhibition, to the masterpieces of the London Group, and Laura Hathaway’s striking monochromatic pieces, we have been treated to some truly stunning artwork.
49 artists showcased their work
49 artists in total showcased their work in the tutors and London Group exhibitions, alongside holding artist talks and tours to visitors – an excellent accompaniment to such fine work.
Clayden Gallery and Café walls
The Clayden Gallery and Café walls have not disappointed either with so many outstanding shows
started back in January by Kathy William’s wonderfully abstract exhibition.
We then went on to host the Brave Island Young Artist of the Year award, a huge honour and incredible to see so many talented young artists enter work.
We see the year out in the Café with Katie Stone’s Advent Calendar (above), made with Queensgate Primary School, which reveals a daily wonderfully wintry world.
A big thank you to every exhibitor and to the Arts team for inspiring, challenging and delighting us with all these creative wonders. I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for us.
