The Eclectic Art Gallery
It’s all change at the helm of The Eclectic Art Gallery in Margate’s Old Town as boss Sarah Gibbon passes the torch to Job Muscroft.
The gallery was initially opened in 2016 by an arts collective and taken over by Sarah and former business partner Vivienne Rose – working as Shoreline- in 2019.
Sarah said: “Running Eclectic has been an absolute privilege. From converting it from a long-established small collective to a social enterprise business model with my now-retired business partner Vivienne Rose, and the challenge of opening just before a global pandemic, through to growing it to become an accessible and inclusive space that has welcomed over 125 local artists to exhibit and sell their work affordably.
“ I’ve laughed, learned, and made life-long friends here. Job is already a well-established creative member of the group who has great marketing skills too, and I can’t wait to see the gallery continue to grow in new and exciting ways under his direction.”
Job Muscroft is ready to jump in with fresh ideas and plenty of enthusiasm.
He said: “I’m thrilled to be leading this wonderful gallery, continuing its legacy of connecting art lovers with art creators here in Margate Old Town and online, and I’m honoured to help write its next chapter.
“Expect diversity of choice and plenty of opportunities to get involved. We are kicking off with a refurbishment and launching a new website, which will mean closing our doors for a few weeks in early February but we will be back bigger and better than ever. If you are Kent-based and interested in joining the local artists and makers already selling their work here please get in touch with me.”
Sarah has decided it’s time to focus on her creative practice and to further develop her other gallery in Thanet – Westgate Galleria & Studio. She will continue to actively support arts-based independent small businesses with her team there.
Current plans also include taking Margate Made on tour around Kent and Sarah is part of the group looking to establish a new community gallery in Ramsgate later this year. You might even find her work for sale in the new Eclectic.