How AVA was formed
A mystery message went out in 1998 to all professional artists
in the Borough of Ashford to meet at the Julie Rose Stadium. Were
we for the slaughter? We had no idea, but a few dozen artists and
three gallery owners turned up. We were hosted by Arts Development
Officer Christina Fuller, who wanted to gauge the support for an
Art Centre in Ashford.
Out of the excitement and buzz of that first meeting, Ashford
Visual Artists (AVA) was formed, and became a constituted body
with fee-paying, professional members including graphic designers,
a silversmith, metal workers, painters, photographers, printers,
sculptors, textile - video - and installation artists, a furniture
designer maker, and more.
AVA is now an active part of Ashford life, with members working
in the community, and in schools on such projects as the Queens
Jubilee, the annual Carnival, and the Big Draw. There have been
artists in residence in the town centre, studios open to the public,
exhibitions and much else.
AVA members Chris and Vikky Furse |
