This year's Island Artists Open Exhibition - a part of the vibrant Ryde Arts Festival - promised to be an exciting and eclectic mix of work. A selection of local artists were invited to submit new works, and the successful entries were exhibited in a dedicated space within Ryde Theatre, Lind Street, Ryde (left).

The exhibition was described as "a host of local talent under one roof and one of the Festival’s most popular annual events". Festival Co-ordinator, Sophie Jeffrey, said: "We have a great line-up for the 2004 event with a wealth of local talent and visiting artists brought together to create a real people’s festival."

The exhibition opened on 3 July 2004 and ran until 11 July 2004.

There was an exhibition launch event on 2 July 2004. All of the exhibitors were invited, along with the exhibition team led by Sophie Jeffrey. Also on the guest list were the 'Friends of Ryde Festival' - an exclusive group of patrons whose support gives them access to invitation only Ryde Festival previews.

The event launch was well attended; the champagne (and orange juice!) flowed. It was a great opportunity for everyone to mingle and admire the work on display. Cat caught up with her friend Malindy Argyle whose vibrant painting of Bembridge Harbour was selected for the exhibition.

Cat and Juliet Robins (who had three porcelain bowls on display) spent some time discussing the problems of pricing art work - a regular topic of discussion!

Cat's pot 'Galaxy' was selected to be exhibited. This is the first time this work has been on public display.

'Galaxy' is one of Cat's range of composite pots. Three similar pots were exhibited at the Quay Arts Centre in March 2004 - (details).

'Galaxy' is made of porcelain; he has exciting inlaid squares of alternating coloured slip and is concentrically grooved to add the important textural element that is distinctive in a lot of Cat's work. 'Galaxy' is available to purchase for £180. Contact Cat for further details.