Monkton Arts is open TUE - FRI - 10.30am - 4pm SAT - 11am-4pm SUN & MON - CLOSED apart from advertised events

Monkton IN THE News

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CATHERINE JAMES COUNTY PRESS

Island Artist Showcase Exhibition

Welcoming Visitors from Montana

Members of the Isle of Wight Friendship Force recently hosted visitors from the Flathead Valley Club, in Montana, rekindling old friendships and forming new ones during a week of cultural exchange and discovery.

The groups previously met eight years ago, when the Island club travelled to Montana – a vast and sparsely populated state known for its snowy mountain passes, Great Lakes, and wildlife. Members shared stories of encounters with brown bears, grizzly bears and mountain lions, which, while rare, can be alarming.

During their stay, the visitors enjoyed a packed itinerary showcasing the best of the Island. Highlights included exploring the West Wight, with panoramic views of the Needles from Breezer buses, Tennyson Down and Alum Bay beach, and a trip to Havenstreet Railway for a heritage steam train ride and museum tour.

Other visits included Carisbrooke Castle, where guests heard tales of King Charles I and Jack, the donkey, and Osborne House, as well as a guided walk around Calbourne’s thirteenth-century church and Winkle Street.

Social events ranged from a welcome breakfast, at the Island Sailing Club, and a buffet evening, with folk music at Monkton Arts, to a lively farewell party featuring Egyptian belly dancing, and songs performed by Eric.

Next year, the club will host guests from Santa Barbara, California, and Stratford St Mary’s, Ontario, before travelling to visit clubs in New England. New members are always welcome. For details, email Marjo at friendshipforceiow@hotmail.com.

Mead Gallery Opening

Last night (Tuesday), The Mead Gallery opened its doors to the public for the first time.

Nestled in the heart of Monkton Village, Ryde, the new space marks a significant addition to the Isle of Wight’s growing cultural scene.

A transformation of an industrial space
The team behind Monkton Arts has spent months carefully renovating the former industrial building.

Their efforts have transformed the space into a welcoming environment that now houses both gallery and studio areas.

A showcase of Island talent
The opening exhibition features work from a range of established artists, including Nicholas Martin, Charlotte Hodge-Thomas, Gillian Clarke and James Lord.

Visitors can explore a diverse collection that reflects the breadth of creative talent on the Island.

2025 rYDE GYPSY JAZZ FESTIVAL

appley tower fairy tale experience

Flood Recovery Fund

Donate Now

You will all know that Monkton Arts was badly flooded on Wednesday, 25th October 2023 and we were closed for the rest of the week. With a lot of hard work and support from the community, we mounted a massive clean-up operation and were able to re-open on the Friday evening of the same week for the planned 1920 music event.

We've thought long and hard over the last few weeks. Our base in East Street has been flooded five times and the building needs constant attention to remain dry and heated and safe. We would also like to add that we have a full maintenance leese after taking it on as a derelict building 4 years ago, and we are unable to get any insurance for flooding because of its location, so each time has been a hit but this time was one too hard. We have ambitions to do much more for the community. We are committed to helping the community in Ryde, creating cultural assets, enhancing people's quality of life and promoting health and wellbeing. We have loads of ideas about new music events and festivals,, exhibitions, projects and the opening of Appley Tower under our management!

For these reasons we have to survive, which is why we ask for your support at this time to give whatever you can manage, every little helps. This money will go towards the loss of earnings while we were closed, loss of stock and art work lost as well as equipment and basic repairs and to see us over the Christmas period and into the new year.

With our grateful thanks and appreciation,

Jenna and Dawn