New Park Centre Hosts Exhibition by Chichester Artist Ghislaine Davis

The New Park Centre is delighted to host From Norway, a new exhibition by Chichester-based artist Ghislaine Davis, running in the Café Bar from 12 January to 27 February.

The exhibition brings together a striking collection of watercolours and oil paintings inspired by Norway's dramatic landscapes. It coincides with the screening at Chichester Cinema at New Park Centre of Affeksjonsverdi (Sentimental Value), a Norwegian film set in the country where Ghislaine spends part of each year, creating a rich cultural connection between art, film and place.

Originally from France, Ghislaine studied drawing and watercolour painting at the École des Beaux Arts before later teaching herself oil painting, driven by her love of impressionists. A formative visit to Canada introduced her to the Group of Seven, whose bold use of colour, light and winter scenery has had a lasting influence on her work.

Ghislaine's work has been widely celebrated both locally and internationally. Her paintings have been displayed at St Richards Hospital and Portfield Primary School, featured on Snowdrop Christmas cards, and exhibited regularly at Chichester Library, the Oxmarket Gallery and as part of the Chichester Art Trail. Alongside commissions and exhibitions in Norway, her work remains deeply rooted in her local community and landscapes.

In addition to presenting From Norway, Ghislaine has generously donated a significant oil painting from her Chichester collection, The Wheelbarrow Club, in support of New Park Centres RAISE THE ROOF community fundraising campaign. The painting will one of the centrepieces of a special exhibition later this year, featuring donated artworks that the public will be invited to bid on through a silent auction.

The Wheelbarrow Club depicts the annual Christmas walk of the Ancient Corporation of St Pancras, a tradition dating back 129 years. During the walk, gifts for residents of the Almshouses are carried in a wheelbarrow, and by tradition, the Mayor of Chichester is transported back to The Nags Head in the same way. The Corporation is the oldest dining club in Great Britain, founded in 1689 and counts His Grace, the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, as its Patron.

Speaking about the exhibition and her donation, Ghislaine said: New Park is a creative hub that offers an affordable and welcoming space for the community to meet in the heart of Chichester. I am delighted to be holding the first exhibition of the year here and to be sharing the beauty of Norway.

It was also important to me to contribute to New Parks RAISE THE ROOF campaign, which will help secure its future for the community, particularly the local arts community. I hope whoever acquires my painting of this unique historical tradition will treasure it and be generous in their support.

Centre Manager Allison McDonald-Hughes added: It is wonderful to welcome and celebrate Ghislaines work at the New Park Centre. Her exhibition endorses the wonderful opportunity for free exhibition space in the café bar, supporting artists to showcase their talent and share their art.

She continued: We are thrilled to receive Ghislaine's generous painting of The Wheelbarrow Club. It will be one of the highlights of our exhibition of donated artworks later this year, when the local community will have the opportunity to bid for pieces through a silent auction in support of our RAISE THE ROOF campaign.

Anyone interested in donating artwork, or in finding out more about the future silent auction and bidding on The Wheelbarrow Club, or having an exhibition at New Park Centre is invited to contact; managers@thenewparkcentre.org.uk