TRUSTEES’ REPORT - MAY 2011

To mark the formal opening of the new Easton Rooms – Stormont Studio extension and link, from 1 April, we have been delighted to be exhibiting the work of three Royal Academicians, Fred Cuming, Mick Rooney and Gus Cummins, throughout the Easton Rooms. They were last together in the Gallery in the mid 1990s. This followed a very successful show by local artist Richard Adams alongside selections from the Permanent Collection including artworks and archival material by Mary and Howard Stormont. These exhibitions have been a fitting way to celebrate the rejuvenation of the Gallery, which, judging by the comments the Visitors’ Book have been well received by all visitors.

With more time to elaborate the programme, in addition to the Friends’ educational and fund-raising activities publicised elsewhere, the Gallery is hosting local WEA courses, such as drawing, art history, politics and religion. It is also intended to restart young peoples’ workshops in June. All the details are on the website.

Looking forward, from 7 to 22 may the Stormont Studio will host an exhibition by Rye Conservation Society in the upper Stormont: “Rye in the Modern World”. To coincide with this there will be three lunchtime talks on conservation issues: on 10, 12 and 19 May at 1pm. Details have been publicised separately by the RCS and on our website.

Policy and planning work remains focused on to actions from a Business Development Study, aimed at identifying ways to reduce costs and increase income. This has been funded by the MLA. Progress with this will be reported later.

Now that the essential project work is completed, may I finish by making the usual plea for support, either “hands on” or financial to enable the Trustees to carry out the final phase of desirable project work, such as creating a new sales area in the Easton Rooms and improving ready storage.

Anthony Kimber PhD
Chair Rye Art Gallery Trust
ryeartgallery@googlemail.com

www.ryeartgallery.co.uk