Arundel exhibition

Artist Mary Hite is delighted to continue her happy Arundel tradition with her annual exhibition in the town.

She will be showing her work at The Norfolk Centre, Mill Road, Arundel, BN19 1PA from Saturday, August 1 to Friday, August 7. The exhibition is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm daily.

“For me, painting is more than just producing artwork. It's a chance to lose myself completely in the creative process. Perhaps, even more meaningful to me, is the moment when someone connects with one of my paintings enough to want it in their own home. That is the greatest reward for me!

“Entrance to my exhibition is free but a donation may be made to Cancer Research should you so wish.”

This year’s exhibition is the latest in a long line in Arundel for Mary.

“Every year, my annual art exhibition in Arundel welcomes visitors who share a love of art and creativity. Looking back, it is remarkable to think how it all began.

“Several years ago, a friend invited me to exhibit some of my paintings alongside hers at her home in the village of Felpham. We opened the house to visitors, and what started as a simple idea soon became a much-anticipated event. We continued exhibiting there for several years, welcoming a steady stream of art lovers and enjoying far more success than we had ever imagined.

“As the exhibition grew in popularity, we realised it had outgrown its original venue. In 2004, we moved to Arundel, holding the exhibition in the town’s old wooden hall, now demolished and rebuilt as the Arundel Information Centre.

“The move marked the beginning of a new chapter, allowing us to reach a wider audience and to become part of Arundel’s vibrant artistic community.

“The exhibition then found a new home at the Norfolk Centre. For the past five years, I have organised and exhibited on my own, with the invaluable help of my husband, whose support has made each exhibition possible.

“Over the years, I have adapted to changing times. As fewer people carry cash, having a card payment machine has become essential. It has made it much easier for visitors to purchase artwork and has significantly increased my sales.

“Admission to the exhibition is free, but I have a donation pot for Cancer Research for anyone who would like to contribute. Visitors have always been generous, and I am pleased that I can also support such an important cause.

“Alongside my original paintings, I now sell limited edition prints and greeting cards, offering something to suit a variety of tastes and budgets.

“This year I have branched out into more abstract paintings using a palette knife and vibrant colours, expressing familiar subjects such as trees and natural patterns in a fresh and exciting way. My work also includes children playing on the beach, landscapes, boats, and coastal scenes. I try to paint a wide variety of subjects so that everyone who visits the exhibition can find something that speaks to them.

“What began as two friends exhibiting paintings in a village home has grown into my own much-loved annual exhibition. It has been a wonderful journey and I look forward to welcoming both returning visitors and new faces to see my work at The Norfolk Centre.

You can see more of my paintings on my website www.maryhitepaintings.co.uk.”