Bury St Edmunds Art Gallery is situated in the historic Market Cross, a fine Grade I listed building restored in the Georgian period, with foundations dating back to 1583. It was renovated by the celebrated architect Robert Adam in the late 18th century, providing a remodelled theatre for the townspeople to enjoy . Indeed, performances of one sort or another have been taking place here ever since, not least when the Market Cross became home to the Art Gallery in 1972 and retaining its high ceilings, Georgian façade and elegant arched windows. It is lit by a pair of magnificent Venetian crystal chandeliers.

This is the place to see great new work and fresh ideas by artists and designers from Britain and abroad, to share ideas, extend your art collection and to take part in a wide range of workshops and social events.

The Gallery is an educational charity which promotes the best contemporary art, craft and design from Britain and abroad and supports artists working in Suffolk.  It achieves this through exhibitions, the Craft Shop, projects with artists, publications and educational and marketing events and activities.  It curates exhibitions in its own space and organises shows that tour nationally, such as 'Self' and 'arttextiles'. 

Established in 2006, Suffolk Showcase is now a regular fixture in our Summer programme and features a wide range of traditional and new media; painting and ceramics sit alongside digital photography and video in an eclectic summary of Suffolk's current artistic climate. All artists and makers aged over 16, and living or working in Suffolk, are invited to submit work for the exhibitions which is selected by a panel of independent judges.

Crafts at Christmas is our annual selling exhibition featuring high quality contemporary craft, mainly by makers from the East of England. The exhibition promotes the value and skill of contemporary craft fostering an appreciation and interest in the work and encouraging new and existing collectors to buy work.

Artists are regularly commissioned to make work for the Gallery and for sites in and around Bury St Edmunds enabling a wide audience to see the work. 

The Market Cross is also home to the Craft Shop, which is renowned for selling high quality craft and design by some of the region's and the country's most sought after craftspeople.   It is the ideal place to buy special gifts or to treat oneself.

Alison Plumridge

Director

SUFFOLK SHOWCASE

deadline for applications:  Saturday, 31 May 2008

submission of entries:  Thursday, 5 June, Friday, 6 June & Saturday, 7 June 2008

exhibition dates:  Saturday, 14 June to Saturday, 19 July 2008