Debut art exhibition

Thanks to Capitol general manager Michael Gattrell and gallery curator Luna Russell, artists and makers from the south-east region have been invited by key arts organisations to showcase their work and raise funds for the Trust.

Adding to the fun, the three-day showcase will include a charity auction of the art on the evening of Wednesday, November 23 with broadcaster/journalist John Henty as auctioneer and a special lunchtime audience with wildlife artist, David Shepherd, on Tuesday, November 22 at 1pm.

Regional fundraiser Rosie Wyer said: “This very special exhibition is a partnership between us, South East Open Studio events and South East artists and makers.

“Curator Luna Russell and Trust staff will be selecting high-quality works to showcase the best that the south east-region has to offer. Work will include jewellery, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, paintings and original printmaking.”

Caroline Jackman, Surrey Artists Open Studios co-ordinator, said: “We hope this selection of artists will enable the public to see what talent there is to offer throughout the South East Region.”

For the Trust, a key part of the fund-raising will be the auction, for which Rosie is inviting sealed bids in advance of the day. She would love to hear from bidders on [email protected]. Your bid will then be included on the night on the auction. Dame Vera herself will attend the auction.

“If of course they would like to come to the auction in person, they are welcome to The Capitol Theatre at 7pm to view the pieces. The auction starts at 7.30pm.”

As for the exhibition, visitors are welcome from lunchtime on Monday, November 21 until 6pm and between 9.45am and 6pm on Tuesday, November 22 and Wednesday, November 23. Admission is free.

The Dame Vera Lynn Trust for Children with Cerebral Palsy is a charity responsible for the funding of School for Parents, a special service for families of young children with cerebral palsy and other motor learning difficulties, Rosie explained.

“Using the principles of conductive education, our early intervention service is crucial and our highly-skilled and professional team helps parents to recognise their child’s unique qualities and achievements so they can work with them when back in a home setting. Each family attends for a three hour session per week.

“All the services we offer are provided free of charge and we rely entirely on the support of the community to help raise the £575,000 needed every year to ensure that this vital service can continue.”

Participating artists in the exhibition are Margaret White from Rusper; Sara Abbott from Brighton; Leigh Banks from Epsom; Caia Matheson from Brighton; Claire Phillips from Partridge Green; Stephanie Else from Brighton; Grant de Jonge from Plumpton; Terry Copping from Pulborough; Serena Sussex from Brighton; Sally Banks from Rudgwick; Alison Ingram from Warnham; Iveta Goddard from West Chiltington; Irma Westerdijk from Horsham; Alison Milner Gulland from Washington; Fiona Champion from East Preston; Debbie Timperley from Horsham; Christine Hopkins from Reigate; Filomena Forte from Rudgwick; Pearl Bates from Lewes; Frank Taylor from Albury Heath; Misha Seelhof from Ashington; Frances O’Brien from Farnham; David Dennis from East Sussex; and Luna Russell from Partridge Green.

Auction items are

Caia Matheson—”Eminence” (80x80cm) Guide Price £800/£2000

Terry Copping , “Keith” 80x90cm Guide Price £950/£1,200

Irma Westerdijk, “Blue Moon” Guide Price £ 95/£100

Alison Milner Gulland, “Nude” (22x30cm) Guide Price £65/£150

Filomena Forte, “ Sogne Dolce”Guide Price £495/£600

Pearl Bates, “Star Kiss” (60x60cm) Guide Price £380/£450

Alison Ingram, “Strutting Puffin” (40x40cm) Guide Price £340/£450

Frank Taylor, Palazzo Murano” (43x43cm) Guide Price £370/£470

Serena Sussex, “Blue Horizon” (72x107cm) Guide Price £750/£900

Frances O’Brien, “Mauritian Triptych” (138x121cm) Guide Price £450/£650

Deborah Timperley Black Glass Bowl 23.5 carat gold 35cm Diameter Guide Price £290/£300 Auction items