Arts centre all set for grand re-opening (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Arts centre all set for grand re-opening

12:40pm Wednesday 9th January 2013 in Ilminster

ILMINSTER Arts Centre will hold its grand re-opening on Monday (January 14). . . and everyone’s invited.

The gallery, craft shop and café will open from 9.30am, while pennants depicting local scenes by the South Somerset Embroiderers’ Guild will be unveiled and accepted by the Mayor, Cllr Roger Swann, at 3.30pm.

At 4.30pm a new exhibition will be launched by Ian Wait, of Branston, with a Pop-up Party, while visitors will be able to see recent refurbishment work completed over Christmas.

After an exhibition at Ilminster Arts Centre last year, the South Somerset Embroiderers’ Guild approached the arts centre with the offer of making some pennants celebrating its work.

Arts centre staff and volunteers were delighted, and suggested that the pennants should reflect not just the arts centre, but the town of Ilminster.

The resulting 28 pennants have been beautifully created in stunning detail and represent many businesses in the town, plus the Market House, the Reading Room, the Minster, The George, the cycle path and Local Information Centre, plus 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 will be launched in the gallery with a Pop-up Party from 4.30pm, and will feature 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 include Jane Mackey, Leo Davey and Jenny Barron.

An arts centre spokesman said: “Thanks to generous support from NatWest Community Force, the Gooch Charitable Trust, South Somerset District Council and customer donations, the centre has been able to carry out much needed refurbishment work over the Christmas break.

“This includes upgrading the café kitchen, installing new lighting in the gallery and painting the arts centre.

“Thanks also go to all our volunteers who have assisted with this.”

Admission on Monday is free.