Celebrating Two Years of Curated Beauty: Embark on a Visual Journey Through Favourite Exhibitions

events & exhibitions
Written By Ali Mackie

Emerald Gallery Manager

As the second anniversary of my role as Gallery Manager at Emerald Frames & Gallery in Chalfont St. Peter approaches, I'm thrilled to share a collection of my favourite exhibition photos from 2023. My job encompasses artist liaison, curating unique and memorable exhibitions, producing promotional material, and photographing the finished displays. Over the past two years, I've captured over 500 images for 22 exhibitions, an achievement that brings me immense satisfaction. Join me on a visual journey through these captivating displays and discover the artistry that has filled our gallery walls with beauty and inspiration.

Layered Landscapes by Caro Friend

Abstract painting exhibition exploring the artist's local and childhood landscapes.

It was a pleasure getting to know Caro while spending the day setting up her exhibition. We both have backgrounds in interior design and enjoyed recounting stories of past projects. Caro pointed out the relevance of my design background for the work at the Gallery. For some reason, I hadn't put two and two together until she mentioned it; it's funny how easy it is to take these skills for granted after years of working with tape measures and plans.

Wild Air by Mark Stopforth

An exhibition of untamed and wild Landscapes.

Just as the description suggests, Mark's collection of mixed media paintings had a haunting, raw quality to them and the ability to transport you to the wilderness that inspired them.

Where We Roam by Julie Wetenhall and Caroline Selvey

Group exhibition of landscape paintings and ceramic sculptures.

Caroline is a good friend of mine. We bonded while making bowls last autumn in her super ceramics studio. She taught me how to make the bowels, and I made painterly marks all over them with brightly coloured underglaze. Caroline's sculpting skills are second to none. Her sensitive yet robust forms are made to look effortless. One of her raku animals has found a happy home in my living room.

Come On Inside by Julia Weston

An exhibition of abstract paintings.

It was an absolute delight to invite Julia to the Gallery this year and curate her fantastic exhibition. Julia and I met online a few years ago while participating in Art2Life's Creative Visionary Program (CVP). Ever since, we've chatted on Instagram, looking on with interest as our respective art practices have blossomed. Organising this exhibition was the perfect opportunity to meet in person.

Books, Birds and Bees by Oenone Randall

An exhibition featuring embroidered books, birds and bees.

Oenone is a force of colour and wonder, and her heartfelt work is a joy to be around. I've had the pleasure of working with Oenone several times now. She brings such enthusiasm and delight to her exhibition displays. This was the first time I was invited to photograph her work, and it was an absolute joy.

100 days of Vitamin SEA by Jacqueline Ford

An exhibition featuring representational and semi-abstract mixed media artworks.

After meeting Jacqueline at a preview evening at Emerald Gallery in 2022, it transpired that we also took CVP together. As soon as I saw the trademark 12" x 12" paintings, I knew she had been captivated by the same art-making spell as me. The energy and light Jacqueline brought to her exhibition was captivating. Her paintings brought the freshness of the sea air to the Gallery, and the story of objects she wove around them was enchanting.

In Full Bloom by Abi Tippetts and Roz Berkeley-Hill

An exhibition of mixed media florals.

Celebrating the joy of everything floral, this talented duo work on their paintings simultaneously. Each artist brings their unique marks and brushstrokes to a single painting. The Gallery was so full of colourful blooms that I could almost smell their vibrant scent.

Family Ties - Susan Mackie and Ali Mackie

A mother and daughter collection of mixed media paintings

The Family Ties exhibition has been a highlight of my year. Being able to share an exhibition with my mum and showcase our individual art paths, interwoven with a common thread of plantlike forms from our love of plants and garden inspiration, has been very special. An experience I will treasure forever.

Live A Life Of Colour And Joy - Sarah Heather

Colourful and quirky artwork

If ever an exhibition lifted the spirits and raised a smile, it's this one. Sarah's playful paintings gave the Gallery a glimpse into her animated world. Brisk walks, atmospheric sunsets and whimsical animals with a cheeky glint in their eye.

Earthworks by Beverley Matchette-Downes and Jenny Zolkwer

Printmaker and ceramic artist showing hand-pull prints and stoneware vessels.

What a way to round off the year. Curating this beautiful exhibition with its paired back elegance, rustic beauty and natural wonder was an absolute delight. Walking past Beverley's rich, colour-soaked prints is like stepping into an enchanting forest and experiencing all the seasons at once. Jenny's earthy vessels invite you in for a closer look and tantalising touch. Just maybe, you'll experience for yourself how they have been making.

Photograph by Kate Cullen

Design magic

Cath Friend, Emerald Gallery owner, picture framer extraordinaire, and all-around lovely person, has allowed me to work my design magic onto the walls of this unique Gallery. Emerald is a hidden gem, offering established and emerging artists solo and group exhibitions year-round. With an exciting, curated programme of artists and makers, there is always something interesting and beautiful to come and see.

Would you like to know about the first Emerald Gallery exhibitions of 2024?

Head over to the events page and learn all about Relational Warmth. A group exhibition with guest curator George Groves seeks to create an immersive experience embodying welcome, comfort, and fresh beginnings.

Ali Mackie
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