Art-lovers! Check out Wokingham Arts Trail, 10.30am-5pm over the weekend of 21st & 22nd September, with free entry & work by 29 artists to enjoy
Nine local venues will take part in this highlight. This, the 13th annual trail, will feature ceramicists, jewellers, textile artists and more.
Watercolour, acryllic and oil paintings, jewellery, handmade books, ceramics, glassware and textiles will be on display in studios and including groups at WADE Centre in Reading Road, and the Bradbury Centre in Rose Street. Regular participants and 10 new faces will be involved, offering the opportunity for visitors to meet the artists, view and buy unique outstanding and varied works.
Peter Izod says: “I’ve been a participant in Wokingham Arts Trail since 2010 under the inspiring chairmanship of Christine Morgan, until I took over from her in 2020. I have been fortunate to have my own venue in the town centre and the Arts Trail has attracted over 200 people each year, many regular visitors.
“It’s a great opportunity to show your art, ceramics and jewellery, meet visitors and discuss the displays. We all learn something from it every year and the broad involvement of the public – many of whom get round to every venue – show Wokingham’s thriving interest in art. This year, with 29 participants, I think we have one of the most varied and high quality trails to enjoy.”
Artist Christine Morgan (Brandywine Art) adds: “I have made a few changes in my studio since the last Arts Trail so I can use the space for mixed media work and clay. I’m really looking forward to welcoming visitors as I work. I love to encourage all ages to experiment and enjoy making art in whatever form. Opening my studios gives me the opportunity to share simple ways to allow them to ‘have a go’.”
Big names and innovative artists are at the heart of The Lightbox’s latest exhibitions
Visitors to The Lightbox can enjoy two special exhibitions into autumn giving greater opportunities to “experience the best contemporary and modern art”.
Material Thinking, until October 13th, brings together for the first-time selected work by major artists from The Ingram Collection with work by contemporary artists associated with the Fine Art programme at the University of Gloucestershire (UoG), recognised as one of the country’s most innovative art schools.
Focusing on artists who use varied, unusual or unexpected ways of making, the exhibition will explore The Ingram Collection – one of the most significantly publicly accessible collections of modern British art in the UK – as a historic context for artists working today, prompting conversations about what it is to make things, between disciplines and across generations.
Curated by Professor Angus Pryor (UoG), selections from The Ingram Collection have been chosen in response to painters, sculptors and film makers working on the UoG Fine Art programme. He said: “Material Thinking will highlight how artists across generations incorporate observation, action, reaction, accident, impulse and instinct into their artistic practice, moving step-by-step to their final artwork.”
Henry Moore in Colour is organised in partnership with The Henry Moore Foundation and runs until November 3rd offering a rare opportunity to see colourful drawings by Moore spanning the artist’s career.
Best-known as one of the most influential and innovative sculptors of the modern era, Moore (1898-1986) was also a remarkably talented and prolific draughtsman, producing nearly 7,500 drawings over seven decades. These works from The Henry Moore Foundation include examples of his best-known works such as the large ‘presentation’ works from the 1930s and the Shelter drawings – commissioned by War Artists’ Advisory Committee during WW2, the Shelter drawings were influential in achieving widespread popular recognition for the artist following their display at London’s National Gallery.
Sebastiano Barassi, Head of Henry Moore Collections & Programmes said: “Henry Moore in Colour reveals his profound love and appreciation of the unique characteristics and possibilities of drawing, for its own ends and as a tool to inform his work in other media. Moore continued to draw until the end of his life. This exhibition attempts to reveal the numerous ways in which it enabled him to study, express, and experiment.”
Sarah Brown, Director of The Lightbox, added: “Our collaboration with The Ingram Collection and The Henry Moore Foundation is at the heart of both exhibitions and we are grateful to all our partners for making our season so exciting.”
A programme of events accompanies and the exhibitions, including the Material Thinking Symposium on September 13th.
For further information about both exhibitions visit The Lightbox
Discover the diversity and creativity of Surrey artists as they open their doors for you to explore, meet and enjoy at Surrey Artists Open Studios, June 1st to 23rd
This year’s Surrey Artists Open Studios features more than 250 artists taking part in 165 studios across Surrey with a fantastic array of artworks and disciplines on show to browse and buy.
As well as a chance to meet and talk to artists in their place of work, the summer open studios event offers visitors the opportunity to view demonstrations, buy artwork, enter a free prize and even get involved in creative workshops.
The SAOS launch weekend takes place on Saturday 1st and Sunday, 2nd June with artists offering an array of activities exclusively for first weekend visitors to this popular county-wide event, complete with taster workshops featuring different materials across the arts and crafts.
SAOS has been running for 24 years representing the best in the county’s creativity and shining a light on makers, artists and creatives producing everything from ceramics and jewellery to paintings and sculpture.
SAOS Manager Caitlin Heffernan says: “SAOS is a wonderful opportunity to discover the county’s creativity on your doorstep. Not only will you uncover a vast range of artworks made by a truly impressive array of hundreds of individual artists, you will also find some unique pieces to take home with you.
“This year there is an impressive range of workshops to learn new techniques delivered by highly experienced artists. Whatever your taste or budget, SAOS artists offer unique artworks across virtually every discipline from ceramics and sculpture to paintings and jewellery.”
Among artists taking part are Joanna Lloyd Glass in Woking whose work includes sculptures cast from everyday objects such as her mum’s sewing utensils and her dad’s DIY tools. Elaine Winter is opening her studio in Woking for the first time in five years, where you’ll find the walls covered in paintings. Art on A Pot is on show in Woking, with an array of ceramics, jewellery and wall pieces while Louise Rowe whose work can also be seen in Woking, often uses gold leaf as a background to pen and ink drawings of wildlife.
In Englefield Green, printmaker and painter Stefanie Smith employs a variety of methods of produce art work inspired by local woodlands, wildlife and seasonal treasures.
Maria Billington takes much of the inspiration for her metal work from her garden to create her work in steel, copper and aluminium at her studio in Frimley Green. There’s a unique behind the scenes opportunity to ask and learn about the clay to bronze portrait commission process of Marian Rowling in Farnborough where you can ‘get the sculptor’s insight’.
Visit and marvel at the work of landscape painter Stephen Kinder in Godalming. Georgie Gardiner makes vessels and bowls on her potters wheel in Godalming using the technique of paper resist. In Cranleigh you’ll find Monique Birley’s contemporary landscapes, figurative work and still lives, while in Petworth, Sue Ransley takes a lighter look at life through her portraits. Retirements led Michael Colbourne to take a fine art degree and has resulted in the creation of more than 250 pieces of art at his home studio in Fernhurst. Impressionist oil paintings of iconic London, coastal scenes, landscapes, portraits, animals and still life are conjured up by Wendy Richards in Liphook. Jessica Stroud specialises in stained glass in Haslemere where you can see her current commission and small panels for sale.
There are a whole array of creative folk in the Farnham and Alton areas. In Sue Cook’s garden in Dippenhall, visitors will see many paintings on a variety of subjects: landscapes, seascapes, boats, architecture, house portraits, still life and patina. If photography is your thing then you need to visit Kiln Photo in Badshot Lea where you’ll find members’ work in various forms.
The Mill at Elstead is home to Becca Clegg, Beth Kirby, David Dragon and Robyn Horsburgh who collectively will be showing artwork and sculpture alongside smaller more affordable pieces in a rustic setting with food and refreshments on the premises.
In Farnham you can enjoy the work of painter Jackie Rennie, Ruta Brown makes jewellery from precious metals and stones rich in contrast and texture and for something different, take a look at the exquisite hand woven silk scarves made by Carolyn Wallis.
Emma Dunbar is inspired by her daily dog walks and even by supermarket trips to create her colourful paintings in Bordon. Take a trip to Upper Farringdon to view the local landscapes created by artist Fiona Pearce, Andrea Merron has a unique take on the sky in her work and at Atherton Green Art Gallery you’ll find work by more than 25 artists and sculptures in the former Victorian rectory. Seascapes and ceramics can be viewed courtesy of Susannah Acland and Clare Mattey in the Hay Barn Studio.
View the work of a cluster of artists in Guildford including self-taught figurative painter Sinclair Webster, landscapes and still lifes are created by Julie Verity in her Shed aka studio, photography and ceramics are displayed in the peaceful setting of Cathy Pyle’s garden studio and greenhouse alongside Bonnie Rasmusseun’s ceramics. Rosalinda Kightley is inspired by the natural world in her vibrant and colourful floral paintings and for something different how about the comic art / colouring projects of John Charles @ Art & Grind. See abstract landscapes as well as musical figurative work in a variety of media from Andrew Curtis while the love of colour comes through in Sarah Cox’s joyful paintings of the Surrey Hills and Cornish coastline. Pop in to see Gina making lampwork beads in her garden studio. You will also be able to peruse a range of jewellery, ornaments and pictures created using individually made beads.
Artventure Trust is a charity providing visual art sessions for adults with learning disabilities and additional needs through drawing and painting to printmaking, textile, photography, pottery and much more in their purpose-built studio in the grounds of St Peter’s School in Merrow.
Brochures are available from libraries, key galleries and at artists’ studios. Full details, studio addresses and booking for workshops can be found at Open Studios (surreyopenstudios.org.uk)
ArtWeeks returns to Earth Trust with pop-up gallery and eight exhibiting local artists
Earth Trust is bringing together an exciting range of local artists for this year’s Oxfordshire ArtWeeks with a pop up gallery open to visitors 19-27 May, situated in the centre’s beautiful converted 19th Century barn.
From ceramics, acrylics and oils, to sustainable fashion and upcycled jewellery, eight creatives will be sharing a selection of their work and talking to visitors about the techniques they use, and the eco themes that inspire them.
Visitors can immerse themselves in beautiful artwork inspired by the natural world while surrounded by the beautiful local landscape of the Wittenham Clumps.
Amy Rowland, Public Programming Manager at Earth Trust said: “Our exhibiting artists are celebrating the role that art can play in our understanding and connection to the natural world. Connecting with nature is not just about being outdoors – it’s about how we engage with nature while we’re there. It’s about noticing, feeling, beauty, celebration and care. We’re delighted to be exploring this once more with such a fantastic line-up of talented creatives.”
Included in the exhibiting artists are Earth Trust’s previous and current Artists in Residence, JC Niala and Nicola Fielding. Also exhibiting are Caroline Butler, Jessica Farrell, Jayne Ford, Helen Grimbleby, Paul Whitehouse, and Emma Williams. From Caroline’s emotive reflections of the Chilterns to Jessica’s sustainable pieces integrating nature, each artist offers a unique lens into the natural world. Nicola’s residency work, inspired by local wildlife, stands alongside Jayne’s serene landscapes capturing fleeting moments of light.
Helen’s sketches evoke nature’s tranquillity, while JC’s collaborative prints celebrate Earth Trust’s landscapes. Paul weaves tales of human connection with the environment, and Emma’s colourful images reflect the sea’s allure and prehistoric landscapes. Together, their art invites visitors to connect deeply with nature’s beauty and stories, fostering appreciation and awareness of our environment.
“Throughout the week, visitors can engage with JC’s legacy artwork installation and visit Nicola in her open studio, experiencing first-hand the profound influence of nature on artistic expression.”
The gallery is open Sunday 19th-Monday 27th May daily from 11am-4.30pm, excluding Saturday 25th May. Part of the Oxfordshire ArtWeeks Wallingford Art Trail.
Ideal for families and anyone interested in art. Children and dogs are welcome. Refreshments will be available from our friends at Horsebox Coffee.
“After a visit to the gallery, visitors can head up to the Clumps for spectacular views, explore the serenity of Little Wittenham Woods or discover Broad Arboretum, and experience the green spaces that have inspired some of our artists.”
Peter’s beautiful new book, a follow-up to South Downs Showcase is out now, with proceeds to The Motor Neurone Association’s West Sussex branch
Sussex Showcase: 2000 Years of Great Art from Bignor to Brighton by Peter, who lives in Lodsworth, was launched at the recent Petworth Literary Festival.
Covering a bigger canvas, the book features more than 2000 years of art in Sussex, ranging from the beautifully preserved mosaics of Bignor and Fishbourne and world-class medieval frescoes in tiny South Downs churches, to the end of the 20th century and the colourful paintings of Charleston-based artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant.
Sussex Showcase takes the reader on a visual feast of a journey to see how Sussex has been depicted through many centuries, including by such English Masters as Constable and Turner, as well as famous 20th century painters such as Paul Nash and Eric Ravilious. It also shows how destinations like Brighton, Chichester and Rye have become a beacon for artists, as well as more rural locations like Ditchling. Covering Sussex’s most famous artists, and iconic landmarks from the Downs to Beachy Head and Brighton Pier, the book investigates how the County has made such an impact on art in Britain.
It includes a foreword by The Duke of Richmond from Goodwood House, who comments “how incredibly inspiring the Sussex landscape has been, and remains, for artists”, Sussex Showcase includes over 50 high quality illustrations, some of which are rarely seen and have been generously loaned from privately-owned collections. Describing the publication, author Peter Beckingham said that “its purpose is unashamedly simple and celebratory – a book which can be enjoyed by all tourists and residents of Sussex with an interest in the county’s rich artistic history.”
Peter Beckingham is a former diplomat whose positions included Deputy High Commissioner to India, Ambassador to the Philippines and Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands. He now gives talks on Cunard’s QE2 and Queen Mary and is donating the profits from this book to The Motor Neurone Association’s West Sussex branch. Jonathan Newdick, a book designer with an international reputation, has once again designed this new publication, produced in association with Lodsworth’s Heritage Society.
The book is priced at £16.99 (postage and packing £3.50) as well as selected bookshops in Chichester, Midhurst, Brighton, Arundel, Steyning, Rye and Eastbourne. Email [email protected] or call 01798 342082 for more details on how to order.
