For some time now, there has been talk in Middelburg about the new activities set to take place in the English Church and the Simpelhuis. Visitors to the Open Monuments Day were already given a preview through guided tours, as were the students of André Romijn’s drawing and painting classes and the first students of vocal coach Mariká van der Meer. Until 1 September, André Romijn worked from his gallery at Segeerstraat 4 in Middelburg. From 6 October, his studio and gallery will be located in the English Church.

Art & Culture

On Sunday afternoon, 6 October, during the monthly Art & Culture Route, the centuries-old doors of the English Church will open at 1:00 pm. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the church as a multicultural centre, under the direction of resident artist André Romijn. It is no coincidence that the words Art & Culture feature prominently in the logo, as art and culture will be presented here in various forms.

The opening coincides with the exhibition “Golden Glory: Klimt and the Art of Refinement.” This exhibition highlights the use of gold leaf in the artworks of Gustav Klimt, as well as those of André Romijn. It explores why gold is used in art and what makes this material so unique. The theme of relationships and femininity, which is so prominent in Klimt’s work, will also be extensively covered.

Impressive Art Boxes (Kunst Kastjes) Exhibition

At 2:30 pm, Judith Loontjes, chair of the Middelburg Art and Culture Route, will officially open the Kunst Kastjes Kijken (Art Boxes) exhibition. These art boxes, created to mark the 25th anniversary of the Middelburg Art and Culture Route, were previously displayed around the city centre of Middelburg, where they could be admired in gallery windows and historic buildings. Now, for the first time, all the boxes will be displayed together in the English Church. You can explore the artworks at your own pace and learn more about the artists and their stories by scanning the QR codes next to each box.

Sketchcrawl with a Musical Palette

During the Open Day, a varied musical programme will be offered. You are warmly invited to attend the entire afternoon, or simply join the parts that appeal most to you. Between the musical performances, you can meet members of the Urban Sketchers Walcheren, who capture what they see through direct observation. Of course, you are more than welcome to participate in this unique sketchcrawl.

In André Romijn’s studio, there will be live drawing sessions and demonstrations showing how a classical portrait comes to life. Feeling inspired? Feel free to join in!

Programme:

  • 13:00 – 13:15: Performance by Youth Theatre School Zeeland, with special attention to Pestival, which premieres on 9 October in Goes.
  • 14:00 – 14:20: Mariká van der Meer (soprano) and Rien Balkenende (piano) will perform a short programme themed “Golden Glory: Klimt and the Art of Refinement”. Works from Klimt’s era, such as those by Alban Berg, Robert Schumann, and Richard Strauss, will be performed, transporting you to Vienna in 1900.
  • 14:30: Official opening by Judith Loontjes of the Kunst Kastjes Kijken exhibition.
  • 15:00 – 15:15: The Velvet Music Project will perform three songs from their repertoire. Ingrid Borger (vocals) and Peter Jongepier (guitar) will deliver an intimate set.
  • 16:00 – 16:20: A repeat performance by Mariká van der Meer and Rien Balkenende with the theme “Golden Glory: Klimt and the Art of Refinement.”
  • 16:30 – 16:45: A second performance by the Velvet Music Project with three more songs from their repertoire.
  • In between performances, you can also enjoy the sound of the original Gerard Steevens organ from 1761. Organist André Poortvliet will share music from C.P.E. Bach and Mozart.

End of the Open Day: 5:00 pm

Date: 6 October 2024
Start: 1:00 pm (doors open from 12:45 pm)
End: 5:00 pm (subject to change)
Admission: Free
Location: The English Church, Simpelhuisstraat 10, 4331 PH Middelburg
Parking: Bodenplaats behind the English Church