Projects

Posted by patricia wilson smith

A MAY DAY Open Exhibition of Contemporary Art
Harbour Arm Gallery, Margate, Kent
Saturday 1st May – Wednesday 12th May 2010

You are invited to submit work that engages with the notion of May Day in any of its senses, to mark the beginning of summer in this part of the South East. For most coastal towns in Kent it is a time of awakening, of preparing for a (hopefully) long and pleasant summer to banish the lingering traces of winter.

May Day is a ‘cross-quarter’ day – a day that falls halfway between a solstice and an equinox. Such days originated as pagan fertility rites, and have continued to be celebrated in Christian times. Several towns in the south east of England have revived the traditional Jack-in-the-Green festival, which includes processions typically led by Morris dancers. May Day is ‘Beltane’; the beginning of summer, an occasion for celebration after a long hard winter. And this certainly has been one!

Deadline for Submissions: Saturday March 27th 2010

Work in all media will be considered. You may submit up to three images on CD or as print-outs at A4 or A5. Please do not send original art work.
Fee for submission £10.
Images and payment, by cheque please, should be posted to Patricia Wilson Smith at 1 Willow Cottages, Faussett Hill, Street End, Canterbury, Kent. CT4 7AL

The Harbour Arm Gallery provides a unique and inspirational studio and exhibition space in Margate. It has a fascinating history: several of our ‘local’ visitors remember when it was a busy working harbour, and have colourful stories to tell. The harbour complements the Old Town of Margate, and is the setting for the new Turner Contemporary, which will be finished in 2011.

This summer I will be the link person and part-time curator for the Harbour Arm Gallery, and I aim to provide activities and exhibitions that complement the events planned by Margate’s other creative spaces and galleries, such as CRATE, the Pie Factory, the Ingoldsby Gallery, Turner Contemporary and the Pharmacy Gallery, to name just a few. I want to showcase contemporary artists and events that engage with the many different audiences living, working in and visiting Margate, and to create projects with artists and arts organizations around Kent’s coastline and countryside.