Late founder "would have been so proud" of successful art exhibition

An Isle of Wight art exhibition raised thousands of pounds for two local charities and brought pride to the family of its late founder.

The Fairwinds Fine Art Exhibition was the creation of John Garlick, an art enthusiast and supporter of Island artists, who sadly lost his two-year battle with Multiple Myeloma in September 2021.

During his final few months, John began to plan the exhibition, “he was never one to sit still,” said his family.

Susan Garlick, organiser of the Fairwinds Fine Art Exhibition (Image: Pamela Parker)

John’s wife, Susan, his granddaughter, Beth Senior, and prominent Island artist Peter Allen took on the Fairwinds baton.

The biennial event, which took place between April 26 and 28 at Cowes Yacht Haven, was the second-ever Fairwinds Fine Art Exhibition.

Auctioneer John Nelson, left, with Peter Allen and his pastels painting 'Sea Cliffs, Eastern Aegean' Image: Pamela Parker (Image: Pamela Parker)

At the exhibition, artists from across the Island donated one piece of work each for auction, with a percentage of proceedings going to charity.

Among the attendees was the Island's Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon.

Visitors were treated with the opportunity to view over 100 paintings and had the chance to win one of the event’s prizes, donated by sponsors.

Andrew Cassell and the Island's Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon (Image: Pamela Parker)

Susan said: “John would have been so proud of our efforts this year.

“Four additional artists exhibited this year – nine in 2022 and 13 this year – and we raised nearly £3,000 for two charities, Andrew Cassell Foundation and Mountbatten.

“A big thank you to all the artists, especially Peter Allen, who organised the artists and the design of the event, Spinlock, Cowes Yacht Haven, All About Catering, the local businesses who supported the raffle and companies who placed advertisements in the brochure.

“Together with all these people and the people who came into the venue over the weekend, made the weekend for us.”

The next exhibition, auction and sale of work from Island artists is expected to be held in 2026.

Callum O’Connell, from Alfie-in-the-Air Photography Gallery and his dog Alfie (Image: Pamela Parker)