Directors blog

We had a great night here at The Lightbox last night- over 200 people attended the gala evening and prize giving for the Surrey Open Art competition. The show looks simply lovely with work from over 40 artists ranging from photography, printmaking, painting to textiles and ceramics. lots of the work is for sale and is a great chance to purchase something really affordable. The winner was a wonderful 86 year old artist Ann Keys with a beautiful textile piece in amazing detail. Most of the artists brought along friends and family and there was a great buzz around the place.

There was also the chance to view the show Sea Pictures which very sadly will end on Sunday. This has been a perfect exhibition, so very tranquil with stunning pieces from Chris Ingram's collection. I do hope that everyone who hasn't yet seen it will come along this weekend as it will be such a shame to miss it, it really has been one of my very favourite exhibitions.

The exhibitions in the Upper Gallery are always really special- it's not a great big gallery but it has a wonderful calm atmosphere and because it's on the top floor away from the hustle of the main building you can get away from everything. I love watching people obviously taking a break from work at lunchtime enjoying the peace and quiet- that's what art is all about giving yourself time to just reflect and relax for a while.

Its been an interesting week so far as we have been taking part in a study by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation on how museums and galleries engage with their community. We have been chosen as one of the organisations studied and have been reflecting on the work we do - and how we could do it better or differently. Always good to step outside what you are doing and look at it from a different perspective.

Tomorrow we have a whole day of planning for our next Autumn exhibition 'Escape to Wonderland the World of Childrens Book Illustration'. It should be one of the most exciting we have ever shown, but lots of work to do before August when it opens!

Marilyn

Well Done Team Lightbox!

Tuesday was a drab and grey day but thankfully the Woking Shop Mobility Pancake Race brought cheers and smiles to Woking. This annual event is open to all businesses in Woking, and this year The Lightbox put together a team of five keen athletic employees to compete. A big round of applause is due to Christine Flynn, Susanne Barnes, Anthony Pooley, Jayne Pritchard and James Geard (from Palette Bistro). We unfortunately didn’t win but our pancake tossing skills were exceptional! It was all worth it though to help raise money for Woking Shop Mobility.

Woking Shop Mobility is part of the National Federation of Shopmobility and
aims to promote equality of access and to encourage independence of people with disabilities (permanent or temporary), through the provision of mobility equipment such as scooters, wheelchairs and power chairs. If you would like to show your support for The Lightbox team and their sporting efforts, please make a donation to Woking Shopmobility (registered charity no: 802594) by phoning Woking Shopmobility on 01483 776612 or hand your donation into The Lightbox Reception.

On another note, this weekend is your last chance to see Jenny Holzer’s fantastic purple and pink light installation and our special display of Dame Elisabeth Frink’s work at The Lightbox. Both exhibitions are free entry (donations welcome) and will be on show until Sunday 21 February. For more information on our current and future exhibitions, visit www.thelightbox.org.uk

Image credits: left, ARTIST ROOMS was established through The d’Offay Donation in 2008, with the assistance of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, The Art Fund and the Scottish and British Governments. ARTIST ROOMS is being shared with galleries and museums throughout the UK thanks to the support of independent charity, The Art Fund and, within Scotland, The Scottish Government. Right, 'Goggled Head II', Elisabeth Frink, 1969