Where did the last month go?  I have done nothing but work and sleep.  Taking over a new building is a huge task, particularly when you have to work towards a formal opening four weeks later.  It wasn't helped by us having a full 3-day audit by Government Office on behalf of the European Regional Development Fund in the middle of it all!

So what's happening in The Art House now?  We have nine tenants already in their studios and a tenth about to move in, leaving only two studios yet to let.  The range of work is brilliant from photography and new media-based work to painters and textile artists.

We have had our first international artist using the short-term studios and accommodation: Amili Gelbman, from Israel, has been with us for two weeks and flew back home yesterday.  Our founder member Patricia Sutcliffe is also in residence in the flat supported by long-term member Rita Sheppard.  Pat is using the second short-term studio for a couple of weeks - and finding all the gliches and problems that face anyone taking over a new building.

Helen has been busy putting up 'Realise', our opening exhibition, which is looking good ready for Monday when we will have our official opening, with Andy Burnham, MP, the Secretary of State for Culture.

Watch out for media coverage of the opening.  If you live in Yorkshire we are hoping that there will be something on BBC TV regional news at breakfast time plus an interview with Pat and me on Radio Leeds at around 7.45 a.m.

Meanwhile, photos below of Amili and our reception area taken a couple of weeks after moving in - look at all the boxes in the background!