When Helen Price and Christine Pettet christened their creative art workshop, they were not just giving it a name. They were setting out their whole vision and philosophy.
It really is 'Art for All' at The Gallery.
Helen and Christine are passionate about offering art to the whole community in a relaxedand friendly atmosphere.
A fundamental part of their role is doing just that within a wide range of local schools,special schools, and community groups, as well as supporting parents who homeschool their children.
Helen studied art at art college before working in advertising in London for seven years. She then
travelled for two years, spending much of her time in India and Cambodia, and saw some amazing art projects on the beach,
which inspired herchange of career back in the UK.
When Chris and Helen met at Thanet College,
a creative partnership was born.
The duo have received some funding for projects
such as some amazing support from the Safer Stronger Communities Fund to buy a pottery wheel and kiln. They would like to secure further funding and grants in the future to enable them to extend their activities.
en
This brings them immense satisfaction. "The look on people's faces when they make something is wonderful, they really light up",says Christine.
There is a real sense of joy in The Gallery itself.
The bright and airyspace, with its huge windows, overlooks the stunning Margate
coast with its famous
quality of light, and is
full of colourful paintings,
portraits, models and
mosaics. Both Helen and
Christine have a
longstanding passion for
their art. Christine studied
ceramics at college and then
spent time working at
prestigious companies such
as Wedgewood and Spode,
designing tableware ranges for major retailers.
She then taught crafts at Thanet College, particularly to people with learning difficulties.
One gets the feeling that Chris and Helen would move mountains to get people involved in art and creating. They are proud that Margate is becoming an area with a strong connection to art and they are very excited by the prospect of the Turner Gallery.
As Christine explains, "We are so friendly and accessible and we can introduce a younger generation to art. They can then go on and explore Turner Contemporary in the future."
Helen agrees, "There are lots of people putting a lot of time and effort into art projects around Thanet. People who might not normally go to a a gallery are happy to come here and can then graduate on to the Turner Gallery."
People who have real passion for something do not really have to tell you how they feel.
You can see it their eyes and hear it in their voices.
Visit Art for All and you can feel the commitment and enthusiasm in spades. It is thoroughly infectious.
