The Moncrieff-Bray Gallery presents it's Summer Exhibition in a converted barn and landscaped gardens with stunning views over the Rother Valley. Over 40 artists and sculptors are drawn from all corners of the British Isles. The work is selected with a commitment to quality, integrity and originality from established and emerging artists alike. This is a wonderful opportunity to see a range of outstanding contemporary British sculpture in the heart of the South Downs National Park. There are small-scale intimate works for interiors as well as stunning large pieces for the garden. Established 18 years ago, the Summer Exhibition has become a highlight in the West Sussex art calendar.

We are absolutely delighted to be exhibiting an important group of works by Jill Berelowitz, one of Britain's most exciting contemporary sculptors, including her Diver. The Diver has evolved from Jill’s Diving Girl commissioned for the Olympic Village in 2012. Also on show are the maquettes for her 3.1 metre high Emergence figures. Born in South Africa, the influence of tribal African art is reflected in her portrayal of the human form. Another central theme in Jill's work is the tree. Her tree sculptures reflect the rythmn of nature and the cycle of life. The life-size Tree of Cherished Memories was commissioned last year for the National Arboretum and two of her tree sculptures are included in the show.

Also exhibiting in Sussex for the first time are Lucy Lutyens, Benjamin Lowsley-Williams and Gabriel Risso. Living on a medieval farm which has been in the family for generations, Lucy's abstract forms reflect the shapes and objects of her rural environment, in particular iron and bronze age settlements. Benji Lowsley-Willliams work also references humanity’s long history and the inherent properties of stone, which he transforms from a state of rawness to a finely honed and polished art form. Gabriel Risso's wall reliefs are mesmerising in their sense of stillness and balance and nod to the paintings of his Italian compatriot, Morandi,

We are also showcasing work by many other leading British contemporary stone carvers, among them: Jonathan Loxley, Paul Vanstone, Dominic Welch, Aly Brown and Jason Mulligan. Complementing these pieces are Jeremy Moulsdale's fluid figures which echo the relationship between man and the elements, Olivia Ferrier's exquisite birds cast from found objects and Will Carr's mesmeric kinetic works.

Within the gallery is a veritable treasure trove of paintings and smaller scale sculpture. The brilliant work of Scottish Colourists Jean B Martin and Ann Oram are complimented by the dynamic abstract landscapes of the South Downs by John Hitchens. Oona Campbell has created a group of new landscapes with her dramatic skies and Sussex artist Lucy Powell returns from a trip to Southern Italy with lyrical landscapes alongside her domestic still-lives. Exhibiting for the first time is Samantha Rudd whose muted palette and portrayal of the English countryside combine the nostalgia of the British Romantics with a refreshing modern take. Sarah Bowman exhibits her luscious garden paintings. We are also delighted to have new work by some or our gallery favourites, Jemma Powell, Vivienne Williams, Jo Aylward and St Ives artists Liz Hough, Gareth Edwards and Rachel Reeves.

This is an exhibition which celebrates many of the finest aspects of contemporary British art, which combined with its spectacular rural setting, only five minutes from the antique and artistic hub of Petworth, make it a unique destination. A gallery of West End quality in the heart of rural Sussex

OPENING WEEKEND
Friday May 12, 10 am - 4 pm Saturday May 13 and Sunday May 14, 10 am - 6.30 pm

SUMMER OPENING PARTY
Saturday May 13, 3.30 - 6.30