REFLECTING..... 2016 at Arthaus Gallery

 
2017 has welcomed me back to Arthaus Gallery Mackenzie Thorpe with open arms! And wow am I excited! 
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2016 gave us many gifts, I was given my beautiful second daughter Sophia-Rae,  Arthaus welcomed 3 fantastic and dedicated new team members,  Ste,  who graduated with a 2:1 in Fine Arts from Manchester School of Art, Jane who works with us part time whilst currently studying Glass and Ceramics at Sunderland University. Dan, who previously worked as a medic (We know who to call if we hurt our pinky) And of course we still have the lovely Rhiannon who is becoming part of the furniture! Finally we have the refurb of the Gallery, and I will tell you it has never looked so good! (Visually and metaphorically!)  
 
As I sit in the window of Arthaus Gallery, I sip my Espresso whilst looking out towards the cobbles of Finkle Street reflecting on the events that took place in 2016.

The year started perfectly with the continued sale of  Mackenzie's “Where The Heart Is” thanks to all of you it was a huge “sell out” success raising funds for the brilliant MFC Foundation charity.

Then as fast as could be the Tour De Yorkshire cycled into Middlesbrough with a fever and excitement which spread across the UK! Mackenzie was honoured to have been asked by Middlesbrough council to represent them through out the event, and so Mackenzie's “Erimus” was born. He stands proud and tall on the side of the Library Building for all to see, watching over Middlesbrough with pride! The event was a winner… with the release of “Erimus” limited edition and the collaboration with Tru Fit Brewery to create “Erimus” IPA 5%, April/May could not have been more exciting for us all! 

On the 10th of June Mackenzie proudly supported The Finlay Cooper Funds fourth Dragonfly Ball by donating a personalised “A Walk In The Past” sculpture. All funds from the event are raised to help disadvantaged children across Teesside and beyond. To be both asked to help such an amazing cause is an honour and Arthaus Gallery Mackenzie Thorpe will long continue to have an amazing relationship with this wonderful Middlesbrough based charity.

Arthaus temporarily closed throughout August for the refurb, with the re opening on the 30th of August.  Local company Staley Stone Works headed the project and we must say the finish is really quiet special. If you have not already seen the “New look” Arthaus Mackenzie Thorpe Gallery then it is a must! We have beautiful artwork and coffee awaiting your visit, you can even make it your new years resolution? I promise it's worth the visit! 

The beginning of November saw Arthaus receive Mackenzie's new and breath taking “Out Of The Shadows” collection. And it did not disappoint! The collection true to Mackenzie catered for all of his famous genres, Football, Duffle, Big Head and so much more. The reviews came in raving and so Mackenzie continues to deliver artwork for us all enjoy.

The Christmas season  is always a wonderful experience here at Arthaus. Wendy, Rhiannon and Ste kicked off the festive celebrations at The MFC Foundation Charity Ball where the #1 personalised edition of “Where The Heart Is” was auctioned off to great success! I hear the evening was a hoot and I think Ste might still be recovering now?

Every year Wendy, Susan and Mackenzie kindly treat us to a wonderful Christmas meal at a local restaurant. For our 2016 meal we visited the beautiful Middleton Lodge coach house, and it certainly did not disappoint! With its rustic,  earthy décor and scrumptious servings we had a fabulous time!  Next time we will certainly be trying the espresso Martinis….  As we have heard they are the best in the area!

Our annual calendar release came about, and with Mackenzie's usual calendar he released an “Industrial Calendar” which has been a huge hit! Check our website out if you haven't already had a peek. 

I could go on and on about what a wonderful year we have had, but with the new year rung in we are now getting excited to share with you what 2017 will bring, but for now that’s a secret… What we can tell you is that this year is going be even better than the last!
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So from myself, Jade and the rest of the Arthaus Mackenzie Thorpe Team we would like to thank every one of you for helping us to make 2016 the amazing year it was, and we wish you all health and happiness in 2017.
 
 
Jade.