Celebrating Local Talent: Rye Creative Centre Artists Shine at The Royal Academy of Arts’ Summer Exhibition
Abuzz with Excitement
Rye Creative Centre is abuzz with excitement as three of its talented artists — Melanie Comber, Richard Elliott, and Nick Archer — prepare to exhibit their works at the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition in London from June 18 to August 18.
This accomplishment not only showcases their individual artistic talents but also marks a significant milestone for Rye Creative Centre and the vibrant local art community it supports.
The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition is one of the most eagerly awaited events in the art world, featuring over 1,200 works by both established and emerging artists. Being selected to participate in this esteemed event underscores the high esteem in which Richard, Melanie, and Nick are held within the art community.
For Rye Creative Centre, this recognition is a proud moment, highlighting the centre's role in fostering artistic talent and creativity. The success of these three artists serves as an inspiration to their peers and underscores the importance of local art institutions in nurturing and promoting the arts.
Pictured above on Varnishing Day — a celebration marking the start of the Summer Exhibition and the final touches to their artworks — the three artists prepare to showcase their works on one of the most prestigious stages in the art world. Their journey stands as a testament of pride and inspiration to all who have supported and believed in them. Rye Creative Centre, and the broader community it represents, can look forward to seeing their talents shine even brighter in the years to come.
Nick Archer
Website: https://nicholasarcher.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archer.nick
Nick is an acclaimed artist trained at the Royal Academy Schools from 1996 to 1999. He has garnered numerous awards, including first place in the Hunting Art Prize in 2001. Nick's evocative landscapes have been exhibited extensively across the UK and Europe. Nick also teaches life drawing, printmaking, and painting at Rye Creative Centre, so keep an eye on our events page.
“I was a student at the Royal Academy Schools from 1996 - 1999, so to return to the RA and to have a painting selected in the summer exhibition is a real honour. The painting I submitted is a large canvas entitled ‘Shattered’ which is a painting of a somewhat dystopian view of a rusting car in a mysterious landscape. The painting is on view in gallery 9 which was curated by Anne Christopher RA.”
Melanie Comber
Website: https://www.melaniecomber.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniecomber
Melanie, a graduate of Central Saint Martins, is renowned for her abstract landscapes that feature innovative uses of materials and vibrant colors. Her work evokes strong sensory memories and a deep sense of place. Melanie's art has been widely exhibited and critically acclaimed, earning her a dedicated following.
“I am delighted to be included once again in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, this is my fourth time exhibiting there having been selected by Hughie O’Donoghue RA. Having moved my studio in 2023 to Rye from London after 25 years, it’s such a thrill to exhibit with some of my fellow studio holders, who have also been friends since we were all at art school in London in the 1990s.”
Richard Elliott
Website: https://richardelliott.london
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardaustinelliott
Richard, a Slade School of Fine Art graduate, is a versatile artist whose work spans painting, sculpture, and mixed media. His unique style combines traditional techniques with contemporary themes, often exploring identity and the human condition. Richard's work has been showcased in numerous prestigious exhibitions and collections.
“I graduated from The Royal Academy of Art in 1999. Nicholas Archer and I were in the same year so it was quite a reunion at the opening party of the summer show. I have been at Rye Creative Centre for 2 years since moving to the area from Rochester, Kent. Very pleased to have been accepted to this year’s summer show, my 6th time as an exhibitor. It’s a fantastic showcase for the artists involved. My piece ‘Yellow Boat’ features a remade scratch built boat set in a resin and plaster background of sea and sky, on a traditional canvas support.”
For more information about The Royal Academy of Arts and the exhibition, please visit: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/summer-exhibition-2024.
