Almost on the point of disappearing off the face of the arts planet at the start of 2002 (the Riverside Artist's Group started in the mid-1980's and draws its name from Hammersmith's famous Riverside Studios), the group has risen Phoenix-like from the ashes thanks to a new team of organizers with a mission to keep the history of this very special artists' group alive.

RAG is now looking for new members. Their membership is open to everyone working and/or living in West London who counts themselves as a practising visual artist (in any medium) and who shares our broad egalitarian, democratic and cross-cultural ideas of what an artist is and who they may be.

Supporting artists living and/or working in west London, by the end of 2002 over a 1/3rd of its members were new. Some of its members went on Tessa Dunlop's LBC show to discuss that thorny chestnut 'What is Art?', and 23 members exhibited in Spain at a major provincial art museum... among other group activities.

They are not as rowdy as you would imagine! In fact members this group of west London fine artists, sculptors, 3-D and installation artists are showing work at the Putney Arts Theatre, Ravenna Rd., Putney from March 3rd-15th.

The Putney Arts Theatre showing is designed for 'small' two-dimensional works by members of the group : Catherine Marché, Tony Cato, Marianne Moore, Marcus Harrison, Paul Griffiths, Anne Musso, José Suarez and Lynne Beel.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE RIVERSIDE ARTISTS' GROUP

RAG was formed in 1986 for artists in West London and is run by artists. As
a mutual support organisation RAG circulates information about exhibitions,
and events organised by the membership. Its written constitution aims to:

- increase the opportunities for artists
- promote the professional status of the artist
- create a supportive network and find a collective voice
- provide a forum for discussion and dissemination of information

Since its formation in 1986 RAG has organised many exhibitions in public
and commercial spaces, and has instigated projects both in the UK and
abroad.

1988 - Thirty members visited Moscow and exhibited in the Artists Union
Exhibition galleries.

1989 - RAG promoted a major touring exhibition of contemporary Russian work
which started at the Riverside Studios. In the same year ten RAG artists
worked for a month with Russian artists in the House of Creativity near
Moscow, and in 1990 hosted Russian artists in London.

1994 - RAG held a large self-selected exhibitions at Waterman?s Art Centre
and the Small Mansions Art Centre.

1996 - Nine RAG artists exhibit in ?New Labour?, curated by Peter Kennard
and held at the Riverside Studios.

1996 - 32 RAG artists exhibit in Spain at the Ourense Museo Municipale.

1998 - ?Boundaries of Landscape Art?, a self-selected exhibition at the
Small Mansions Art Centre.

2001 - RAG artists exhibit at Fulham Library Exhibition Hall.

2002 - April Show 'Art-WEST? at Start Gallery 2000, participated in Art
Upstream, Hammersmith & Fulham?s summer arts festival at Fulham Palace
Museum, and 23 members exhibited in Spain at the Museo Municipale de
Ourense. two members joined Tessa Dunlop on here LBC radio show to discuss
'What is Art?' with one of the organisers of the controversial Bodyworlds
show.

RAG Web site
riversideartists@yahoo.co.uk