// RWA News
The RWA ground floor shop has been remodelled and now includes many new stock items and a broader selection of merchandise relating to exhibitions, including original artworks. A completely new RWA website has been developed which can be updated in-house see www.rwa.org.uk. This is an important development: we can now present accurate, up-to-date exhibition, event and visitor information to a huge number of virtual visitors. This has been a massive undertaking, largely achieved by volunteers who make an enormous contribution in all areas of our work and are a key part of our success. With over 30 volunteers a week involved in a range of tasks this represents a generous investment of time for which I am very grateful. To volunteer in any area of our work, please get in touch – 0117 973 5129. Finally, works are now underway to improve storage for our Collection, create a new multifunction room, and install environmental controls in the first floor galleries, enabling us to take works from national collections, which will see world-class exhibitions coming to the RWA. Trystan Hawkins – RWA Director
Our new President: Dr Janette Kerr PRWA I am delighted to have been elected as President of the Royal West of England Academy. The RWA has been changing – and changing for the better. Together with our Director, Trystan Hawkins, we have been planning some exciting shows; the doors are wide open and more people are coming through them. These are very challenging times for the Arts, particularly within the current economic climate. I am confident that these changes will ensure and secure its continuance as a 21st Century Academy of excellence and inspiration in the Arts. Open to all, it provides opportunities for national and international artists and its recent programme of shows and events is already attracting new audiences, encouraging engagement and dialogue on all levels. I feel very positive about the RWA and its future. I’m really proud to have become President and to be able to be part of its development at this stage
in its history. However as an artist I have a strong commitment to my own artistic practice. I am passionate about continuing to extend this, and keen to engage in dialogue regarding contemporary art. The RWA is more than a gallery – it’s an academy, and I see part of my role as President as encouraging the continuing development of its scholarly and artistic identity, as well as supporting all elements of the RWA’s activities.
Alice Hendy
Autumn: A season of change at the RWA
159th Autumn Exhibition // we meet some visitors
A good mix of art work, with plenty to enjoy on all sorts of levels. It’s well worth many, many visits. I’ll be back between 4 and 6 times before Christmas. Stephen Lovatt: Artist
Seeing all this work together in one room is amazing. A marvellous juxtaposition of painting, sculpture, photography and such an exciting mix of styles and mediums, on many different levels. Mr. Bartle: Graphic designer
I really loved the exhibition, particularly the elephant. I loved the painting by Kerry Phippen and I also liked the big portrait of the girl, done in spray paint – Universe by Harriet White. Florence Croft: Student
There’s so much talent out there and what the RWA does is give younger artists who don’t have gallery representation a platform whereby we can see that talent. This is a wonderful facility and at least gives the artists the opportunity eventually to become boring old farts.
I’ve really enjoyed seeing how the space has been used: the hang is much fresher giving each piece more space to breathe. Although it was quite fun to have a Salon hang, it always had a sense of being over-crowded. It’s a different range of work too – fresher and more contemporary.
Andrew Price: Crochets budgies
Leiza McLeod: Office worker
I think the 159th is as eclectic as ever. Consciously, or subconsciously, they’ve gone for something to please most people, from abstract to realistic. I’m very impressed with the sculpture; there are some fine examples this year. Peter Gruffyd Poet
Very impressive; lots of new things, lots of interesting things. I love the way the works have been hung – and I particularly like the ambience of the galleries. I am very impressed. Anna Maria Cianchini: Artist
As a show, I don’t think it’s very good because it’s too crowded. It’s a mixed bag; there’s some interesting stuff. I don’t think the sculpture’s great but there are some technically amazing things going on. Andy Curry: Fine Arts technical instructor RWA magazine
Winter 2011
9