After more than two decades of organising exhibitions, SuffolkArt curator Pat Kirby is calling it a day.
The collection and sale of paintings and photographs currently on show at Ipswich’s tourist information centre looks set to be the last.
“I’m 80 next year. People say I don’t look it but I feel it in places and I haven’t been able to paint much because of arthiritis. The exhibition is hard work,” says Pat, who’s been helped by her husband Arthur and family members down the years.
“It’s been a very busy year. My husband and I celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary with a card from the Queen and a letter from (Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger,” added the longtime Gunners fan, who recalled slipping out of their wedding to check that day’s score.
More than 200 local artists and photographers have taken part in exhibitions at the tourist information centre since SuffolkArt started, originally as SuffolkArtwork, more than 20 years ago. Many of these have benefitted various charities.
“I’m happy to say it’s been very enjoyable, but it’s time to call it a day. This present exhibition will end on August 13 and it will be my last one. I have made many friends during this time, including a lady from Derby who bought one of my paintings. We are now pen-friends.
“Many (pieces by other artists) have been bought by visitors from abroad and some of the artists have been contacted for further pieces of their work.”
The free exhibition can be seen at at Ipswich’s tourist information centre, St Stephen’s Church, St Stephen’s Lane, Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm and 9am-3.30pm on the final day.
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