As you may know, 2018 marks the Gallery's 10th birthday, which we are celebrating by supporting Sussex children's hospice Chestnut Tree House throughout the year.
Having kicked off our year-long support at the end of January with our Annual Art Sale, the focal point of our campaign is the Gallery's spring exhibition. By giving the exhibition the title "Through the Eyes of a Child", we hope to also raise awareness in the local area of the charity and its work.
The exhibition was launched last Saturday with an extra special party. At the Chestnut Tree House awareness stall, manned by community fundraiser Jayne Todd, we welcomed our MP, Sir Nicholas Soames, who was tasked with officially opening the exhibition..
Alongside customers, friends and family were artists such as Sally Scott...
...Maddy McClellan, seen here with her mother, son and dog...
...gallery founder and sculptor Julie Janvrin...
...wire sculptor Emma Bird...
...wood turner Yas Hussain...
...as well as long-term gallery supplier Angela Farmer.
As our guests sipped on their drinks...
...Jayne told us about the work of Chestnut Tree House and the importance of art for the children of the hospice and their families.
Then Sir Nicholas Soames said a few words to launch the exhibition...
...before we trooped outside to cut the ribbon.
And now the roll call of thanks...a HUGE thank you to the following people for helping us on the day...
Chris for manning the till...
Tiff, seen here with her niece...
Mike...
Sally...
Emma...
...and last, but definitely not least, Sophie Mitchell of www.smpweddings.co.uk for her fantastic photographs that perfectly captured the sheer joy of the occasion!
As well as the Gallery donating 10% of takings on all launch days this year, Angela Farmer, David Fawcett, Julie Janvrin, Clare O'Neill and the family of our late colleague and 'Gallery Gal', Debbie Medlicott, have all donated work to be sold with all proceeds to Chestnut Tree House.
"Through the Eyes of a Child" runs until 12th May.