Isle of Man Art Society Easter Exhibition celebrates Biosphere

News release from Isle of Man Art Society:

The Isle of Man Art Society has announced that its annual Easter Exhibition will return to the Villa Marina Arcade this Easter Bank holiday weekend, Friday 7 to Monday 10 April.

Long-term sponsors Ramsey Crookall have kindly renewed their support for this year’s flagship event, which showcases hundreds of original works of art from Isle of Man Art Society members composed in a range of media including oil, watercolour and acrylic on canvas, as well as 3D, sculpture and ceramics.

For the second year running, the Easter Exhibition will also celebrate the UNESCO Biosphere status of the Isle of Man. First admitted in 2016 to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, the Isle of Man, including all its land and territorial sea, is the only entire nation Biosphere. This privileged status recognises the Island’s special environment, culture, heritage and economy, and its people’s desire to cherish and preserve them.

Last year’s Easter Art Exhibition drew more than 2,250 local and holiday making visitors over the four-day event, with 94 different artists showcasing more than 300 artworks. This year’s event promises to be even bigger and better, and visitors are invited to browse and purchase original pieces from well-known and emerging artists, with a range of themes, styles and prices to suit every art lover.

“This year we proudly mark the 70th Anniversary of the Isle of Man Art Society, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate this milestone than our annual exhibition,” said Peter Hepworth, President of the Isle of Man Art Society.

“This event has been a feature of the local arts calendar for many years, and every spring I’m still amazed at the variety and depth of talent exhibited by our members. Working in celebration of UNESCO Isle of Man and with the generous support of Ramsey Crookall, without which this wouldn’t be possible, I can’t wait to welcome new visitors through our doors this Easter.”

Clare Barber MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture and Vice-Chair of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, said: “Our UNESCO Biosphere has plenty to inspire artists, from its breath-taking landscapes and varied wildlife to its thriving culture and many wonderful characters, and I look forward to seeing how the artists taking part in the exhibition are celebrating it.

“The Island is blessed with talented artists. The Isle of Man Art Society Easter exhibition is an important fixture in the calendar each year and I congratulate the society on its 70th anniversary.”

Joanna Crookall, Ramsey Crookall CEO, said: "We are proud to sponsor this year's Isle of Man Art Society Easter Art Exhibition during this their 70th anniversary year in which they will be celebrating the Isle of Man's UNESCO Biosphere status through the artwork of our talented island artists.

''This yearly exhibition has been a fantastic showcase of the island's creative talent, and every year we sponsored this event, we have been amazed by the quality of the artwork, which is why we are once again delighted to be part of it."

A raffle will also be available on site to every visitor.

·       Celebrated local artist Peter-Lloyd Davies has kindly donated an original painting as 1st place prize.

·       The Isle of Man Art Society would also like to thank the IOM Steam Packet for its generous donation of a £200 travel voucher as 2nd place prize.

·       And for 3rd place, a one-year membership at the Isle of Man Art Society.

The Isle of Man Art Society’s Easter Exhibition takes place from Friday 7 to Monday 10 April, 10am to 6pm at the Villa Marina Arcade.

Admission is free and open to the public, with plenty of free parking available nearby. Disabled access to the venue is also available.