Arts centre reopens for 2013 (From Yeovil Express)

Arts centre reopens for 2013

12:00pm Monday 21st January 2013 in Yeovil

ILMINSTER Arts Centre has officially re-opened for the 2013 season.

The gallery, craft shop and cafe opened early, and pennants created by South Somerset Embroiderers’ Guild depicting local scenes were unveiled. A new exhibition was also launched, along with a pop-up party.

The Embroiderers’ Guild approached the arts centre last year about making pennants and the offer was readily accepted. The resulting 28 pennants represent businesses in the town plus the Market House, the Reading Room, the Minster, The George, the cycle path and Local Information Centre, and annual events, such as the Victorian Evening and Ilminster Midsummer Experience.

Arts centre volunteer Sue Bishop said: “The pennants are a wonderful tribute to the town and will be hung in the main hall for everyone to see as they walk through the doors.”

The Annual Open Winners 2012 Exhibition was launched in the gallery, along with a pop-up party. It featured art by the prize winners from the arts centre’s show last year, including the artists voted for by supporters and visitors to the arts centre. These included Jane Mackey, Leo Davey and Jenny Barron.

Visitors were able to see the results of refurbishment work carried out over the Christmas period. This included upgrading the cafe kitchen, installing new lighting in the gallery and painting the arts centre.

These refurbishments have been funded thanks to support from the NatWest Community Force scheme, the Ilminster-based Gooch Charitable Trust, South Somerset District Council|and donations from the centre’s loyal group of patrons.

Now arts centre staff and volunteers are looking forward to a wonderful 2013.