Our 1st Birthday @ Elizabeth James Gallery!

Wow what a journey the past 12 months have been!

I have to admit it took me about 3 months for me to establish a routine and time lines for event preparations but I got there in the end with the love and support of family and friends.

Some old friends from school days, and some new friends I have met along the way.

But especially dear to me is the support of my dear mother Maggie who is a truly valued member of the team here at the gallery. An amazing help on the hanging and take downs of the shows and much much more! Over the year she has developed a technique that works for her and it’s not always been easy. We have from time to time disagreed on whether the spirit level is drunk! But she has stuck with me and i really do appreciate that!

The community welcomed us with open arms and have shown real support. It was lovely to see some that were the first through our doors come out for our 1st Birthday exhibition at the gallery.

I have had so much fun with exhibitions. When it’s the private views; I genuinely worry with each one that no one will turn up and breathe a sigh of relief when they do. It means the world to me and the artists and it’s lovely to see / hear the feedback. Equally important as the artists themselves.

Over the 12 months I have worked with 42 artists in exhibitions, Live Art Saturday's and workshops held at the gallery. Without them none of this could have happened.

Exhibitions at the gallery in year 1

• Interpretations of Love

• Abstract Art

• What it is to be me

• Urban Landscapes

• Shapers of minds

• Art on instinct

• The Croydon Summer of Love

• Joie de Vivre

• Caribbean Fusion

• The CaribArt Project

• Creative Combinations

• Elizabeth James Gallery 1st Birthday Exhibition

It still blows me away the level of talent that is out there and lots of them living locally to the gallery. I have worked with artists as far away as Milan and its been truly a pleasure!

So I want to say a HUGE thank you to all the artists that have touched the gallery in some way. You have inspired me and made me explore further my creativity!

You have also touched, inspired and motivated many that have visited us throughout the year; the young old and everything in between. I do hope you have enjoyed this journey as much as I have and you will continue to support and be part of the gallery. I look forward to seeing you grow and flourish in your chosen paths.

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