Good afternoon (or morning, evening, whenever you're reading this...). I thought I would write today with my review of the preview evening of John Kaye's exhibition and the Julie Dodsworth Giftware Section. Both are assets to the Gallery and as such, both were well received!
You might recall from reading my earlier ramblings and scramblings that things were a little bit hectic at Gallery 42 before the opening of not one but 2 things on the same preview evening. Its safe to say everyone at the Gallery did an excellent job preparing and executing what was a brilliant evening full of wonderfully presented art and products, so well done to all my colleagues there!
This week its time for me, as a budding art historian, art writer and critic, to review the evening and of course this encompasses the art, the people and indeed - the music! I have included some pictures of John's beautiful art, but they really do not do it justice. This exactly why after reading this, unless you are ill-positioned (either abroad or afar) to do so, you must pop in and see the work for yourself!
So, I've written to you already about John's artwork. I'm going to focus this time on the night, so sit back and allow the anecdote(s) to flow.
The day before the exhibition I wandered into Gallery 42 in my usual sauntering fashion, where I was met with a cup of tea (darling) and my first encounter with Mr John Kaye himself. I did some odd jobs and helped with a few bits here and there, before interviewing John for the blog, which was fascinating - John really is a wonderful, genuine and inspirational character and I do believe, despite only having select chances to speak to him, I have taken much from his experience and from his stories from his travels.
Speaking of his travels, we hear he's in Bulgaria at the moment... Lucky sod ( a lovely sod nonetheless).
I left the Gallery missing several spotlights and looking not quite there yet... But little did I know, 24 hours later and the place would be transformed. Of course I had faith in all my colleagues and in John himself and I was right to. After some time with Mark and Will rehearsing for the musical part of the evening (which did end up being a large, background-edging-into-foreground part of the night), we walked in just in time to comfort James Brown, who was looking lost and confused, before the evening really began. We set up and then went to Sainsbury's. It was here we saw none other than the (in)famous Humphrey Smith, who walked several circles round the automatic doors before getting into the oldest, most battered looking Ford that Will and I had ever seen and driving away.
All this is irrelevant, for such musings detract from the main event. As everyone poured in (not at once, so it was more of a gradual filling of space across half an hour or so) James Brown himself kicked the night off with a range of cracking cover versions of everything popular music from the last 6 decades has had to offer. Paintings began to be sold and John escorted the guests (and of course, himself) towards the complimentary wine and nibbles by the stage (well, it wasn't a stage). Even though the weather wasn't on our side - indeed snow was projected for the duration of the night and beyond - we still enjoyed a great turnout across the evening and a healthy portion of the work was sold.
After James' half hour set I took to the stage to play some songs, before Mark and Will played some stuff also. We then collaborated and from that point on, the music came from the 4 of us, manager Liz, colleague Terry and of course, the Wilson brothers; both Tadcaster treasures. Whilst this was unfolding in the back, I was intermittently integrating myself into the crowd and taking photos on my new(ish) SLR, which I still can't use very well but hey, its a learning process. You can view these on the Gallery 42 Facebook page.
Key artists such as Nel Whatmore and Dave Markham were also present at the exhibition, as well as other prominent characters such as the Mayor, who was kind enough to listen to our music as well. The discussions surrounding John's art were great and there was a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere to the Gallery that served as a wine-fuelled, exaggerated version of that which we offer during daylight opening hours. As the patrons and guests began to dissipate we all congregated at the back of the shop for what turned into a bit of a karaoke, which was great fun. I played my (now revered for its emotion and baritone) version of Johnny Cash's cover of Hurt, originally by Nine Inch Nails, not once but twice, and Mark and Will pumped out Shupadum classics. Liz and Terry played some great covers which I believe they also do in their band, The Elmcats (who are great) and Wilson Brown ended (or not) the night on a perpetual medley of classics.
I had a bloody brilliant evening and I hope everyone who attended did as well - thank you all!
You can view pictures from the night on our Facebook page, which the link www.facebook.com/gallery42 should give you access to (if the link works) and I'll be putting more pictures up soon of the artwork left for sale. My few favourites didn't sell, which is tantalising of course. In the near future I hope to curate a Nothern Artists exhibition at the Gallery, inspired by Tate's forthcoming LS Lowry exhibition and of course the nothern work by Lowry, Birks and Tortice in our own collection - all of which will be for sale in the exhibition. Here's hoping I can get that off the ground!
In definite news, the Julie Dodsworth Giftware Section will be OFFICIALLY opened (i.e by Julie herself, I do believe) this month and there will be another music night to boot. Keep a check on my blog, on our Twitter handle and on the Facebook page for updates. The website will be undergoing maintenance shortly so please, do be aware and you can find our contact details on Facebook should you require them. Cheerio!
