Gallery to host party for the Pavilion (From Penarth Times)

Gallery to host party for the Pavilion

8:40am Sunday 1st August 2010 in News

A PARTY will be held next month to launch a community fundraising drive to help renovate Penarth Pier Pavilion.

High profile members of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, including directors of all departments, are supporting the gala event at the Washington Gallery on August 7.

The party launches the community fundraising drive, following Penarth Arts & Crafts Ltd (PACL)’s success earlier this year with a first round pass from Heritage Lottery, a major contributor to the £3.7 million project.

The renovated Pavilion is expected to feature a cinema, cafes and a multi-function main hall.

It will also give visitors the opportunity to find out about the history of the building through digital stories, film and archival material.

The project has a dedicated environmental theme, highlighting its unique position on the Bristol Channel with its dramatic tides which might be harnessed in the future as a clean and cheap energy source.

More than 200 tickets for the Washington Gallery party are now on sale costing £15.

It is hoped the event will help raise £3,000 towards the Pavilion's renovation.

Artists are also donating to the cause, and a highlight of the evening is expected to be the silent auction of an original painting of the Pavilion donated by Susan Cunningham, and a digital monoprint by Brazilian Ricardo Salle, both of which will be hung in the gallery from July 29.

A raffle will include a framed retro print by Mel Burgum - the painter recently contracted to Jack Vettriano’s publishers, a collection of Pavilion ceramics by Susie Grindey and wine from the boutique supplier, Arth of Penarth.

Andrew Gorno of the Cardiff based food specialists firm has agreed to sponsor the evening.

Maggie Knight, director of the Pavilion project, said she was delighted the community drive was now under way.

“There’s a gauge in the gallery that shows how much money we are raising and this event is expected to really get things off to a great start,” she said “We have a wonderful fundraising committee and lots of functions are already planned for this year and next.

“I also hear that our patron, Carlo Rizzi, has a surprise for us in store”

For more information and to buy tickets contact the Washington Gallery on: 029 2071 2100 or email: info@washingtongallery.