Nearly 80 guests attended the very successful Preview Launch of the current Friends exhibition at Garretts Gallery on 1st September 2011. The buzz was tangible with attendees eager to view, enjoy and purchase previously unseen artwork by six Island based artists. MHK Candidates, local business people, investors, art lovers and fellow Artists - as well as friends and family of the exhibiting Artists – all mingled together during the three hour event. Karl Garrett, himself an Artist and owner of Garretts Gallery said, “This has been a great night; I’m so pleased that Garretts Gallery has again been able to offer an opportunity for some previously unseen artists to get exposure on the Island – and of course, for potential investors and art lovers alike to have the chance to see what the Island has to offer.” Work by exhibiting Artists will be on display until 30th September 2011 so there is still plenty of time to enjoy the exhibition if you missed the Preview. Although some pieces sold on the evening, there is still an excellent selection to suit all tastes. The Artists are: Martyn Cain: Martyn combines the classic landscape portrait with a digital application of deterioration to show beauty and decay in the same image Diane McCudden CPAGB: Diane has a great passion for the outdoors using natural light in natural settings to make her images; Africa is a feature for this exhibition Michele Hudson-Seig: Michele’s leaf prints emerged from her interest in multiples and strength in numbers; the way in which a single item can take on a whole new meaning, form and purpose when multiplied, and the way this translates within human nature Jenni Murray: Jenni is a full time mum who enjoys painting in her spare time. In the future, she hopes to become a professional artist and exhibit Island-wide Shelby Sandyford-Sykes: Shelby is the Winner of The Archibald Knox Prize for Art, 2011. Using car bonnets as a canvas, the flow of the machines used dictates the form, texture and shape of these “Ready Mades” Sharon Watterson: Sharon is a well-known Manx landscape and portrait painter who has studied art, design and photography at the Isle of Man College. She is influenced by ancient Celtic art, scripture, Archibald Knox and John Miller Nicholson The next Friends exhibition will take place in November 2011. Anyone interested in exhibiting their work in November should contact Karl Garrett – garrettsgallery@manx.net or at Garretts Gallery, Unit 11, Kirby Farm Industrial Estate, Braddan. ENDS