Libby Widdup's Passing
My wife, Libby Widdup (nee Sanders), a valued member of the Newcastle community passed away in mid-March this year. Since this time, I have taken bereavement leave from Cooks Hill Galleries to re-adjust to life without Libby.
There is no ‘dress rehearsal’ for this finality and Libby’s departure leaves a conspicuous void. A space filled with both sadness and a bristling bank of treasured memories.
I am still at a loss as to how to move forward, but have decided to keep motivated and busy!
I will strive to be more organised, make plans and follow through, and see success in my efforts of distraction.
In lieu of this decision, I will re-open Cooks Hill Galleries on Monday May 22nd at 11am. The gallery will operate in its usual capacity.
Opening hours
Monday, Friday, Saturday: 11am-6pm
Sunday: 2pm-6pm
By appointment outside these hours.
Exhibition: Lifting the Darkness - The Emergence of Light
When the gallery re-opens, we will be hosting our first exhibition. I would invite you to join us for the opening of ‘Lifting the Darkness - The Emergence of Light’ by Ken Strong on Friday May 26 from 6 – 8pm.
RSVP and invite your friends here.
This exhibition was postponed from earlier this year and will continue until Monday June 26th.
On the evening take a guided tour of the exhibition with the artist at 6.40pm. Browse + buy from the collection, enjoy a wine, and catch up with friends.
Ken is a valued, represented artist of CHG and we welcome his exhibition. He has a fascinating outlook and I am in awe of his energy.
Keep an eye out for an invitation, sent to those of you on our mailing list! Not on the list then sign up here.
New Website
Coinciding with the Ken Strong exhibition week, we will launch our new website. It’s soft launched and you can check it out here > www.cookshillgalleries.com.au It is over 2 years in the making!
The website offers a superior experience. Some of our innovations include:
Enhanced Image Presentation
Images of our art will have a ‘zoom’ capability. Thorough detail will be displayed.
Ease of Use
Our new website will be easy to navigate. It will be compatible with multiple devices. Including mobile and tablet.
Information Focus
We will share art information and CHG’s insights into pieces we offer. This includes Artist and/or Director statements, Provenance descriptions, and Personal notes from the artist.
The Human Element
Our new website possesses a focus on people.
The Artist – profiles, stories, their art in situ.
Social – client/gallery get-togethers, increased interaction.
The gallery is moving into the future with increased ‘virtual’ elements, but we continue to focus on art as a human experience.
Online Shopping
Buying our art online has never been easier!
Discover the art you like using our Multiple Search Options and order art for delivery immediately!
We realise that a reassuring word about your purchase is often a vital step. Our Director is only a phone call, e-mail or text away.
At CHG we want you to be confident in securing art you love, enjoy the process of finding art, and glean pleasure in owning art.
Interested in Selling Art?
The new website includes a feature for sellers to submit art online for assessment and sale.
CHG has developed a comprehensive national marketing network to entice buyers.
Interested in Buying Art?
Substantial art information is available prior to purchase.
The Director’s 42 years of art experience has seen a keen ‘eye’ for art developed at CHG.
The combination of these art advice platforms will give buyers comfort and confidence to buy.
Focus on History
We review much of the art we have been involved with in 40+ years in the art business.
You will gain an insight into the ‘Premium Art’ we have handled at CHG, through previously un-released information on artists and their work.
Helpful for both buyers and sellers – it will reflect the quality of art CHG has offered in the past, and demonstrate the confidentiality and trust between CHG and clientele. (This ‘premium’ portion of our website is a work in progress. Continue to check in monthly to see updates on our past art offerings, and to see new stock!)
Gallery Services.
Please note the ‘Gallery Services’ section on the website for a comprehensive overview of what CHG offers.
Please view our new website at http://www.cookshillgalleries.com.au
I welcome your comments on the new site. We hope to learn from your experience and resolve glitches as they emerge.
I look forward to seeing you when next you visit the gallery!
Yours in art,
Mark Widdup
CHG Director
0418 492 259
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