From August 12 to 20 members of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society will be showing their work as part of the annual Summer Exhibition. Eileen Leahy talks to the society’s Chair, Suzy Phillips, about what visitors can expect to enjoy this year…
The Royal Tunbridge Wells Arts Society (RTWAS) was founded in 1933, and since then it has been providing creative inspiration and valuable support for both the professional and amateur creatives of the town.
Its HQ is located at Sussex House at the bottom of The Pantiles, and it is a hub of activity for most of the year, thanks to the numerous workshops and mini-shows it hosts. The highlight, however, is the society’s annual Summer Exhibition, which this year takes place from August 12 to August 20.
Current Chair Suzy Phillips tells me why it’s an event not to be missed: “It may not be the Royal Academy but there will be just as much variety on show at the Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society’s Summer Exhibition.
“Visitors can expect to see delightful colourful landscapes sitting alongside shimmering seascapes, with other gallery walls adorned by contemporary florals.”
She adds that the exhibition has been “beautifully curated” to highlight the variety of work by the Society’s members, and that as well as seeing paintings on display there will also be some creatively crafted textile art to enjoy, too.
“As you enter the doors of Sussex House, you will be immersed in the world of the artists’ imagination. The space will be full of colour, texture, and light,” continues Suzy.
“The Garden Gallery space has been specifically designed to create a sense of calm with its more muted colour scheme, whereas the main gallery has an energetic feel with representational styles sitting alongside modern abstracts.”
The Royal Tunbridge Wells Arts Society’s small but highly influential premises was founded by the Marchioness of Abergavenny some 90 years ago. As well as offering established and fledgling artists the opportunity to showcase their work on a regular basis, it also provides a chance for fellow creatives to network.
Always looking to the future, Suzy adds that later in the year the RTWAS will be launching a new venture.
“In October we will start a series of monthly Saturday workshops, run by a team of professional artists and covering a range of subjects. We are very excited about this new evolution of the Society,” adds Suzy.
The Summer Exhibition runs from Saturday August 12 to Sunday August 20 from 10.00-4.00 at Sussex House, 61 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TE
Email: admin@rtwas.org
