EKAS Plein Air Weekend

News Entry #011

09/06/2025

Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of participating in the East Kent Plein Air Weekend for the second time in Sandwich. It was a wonderful experience, surrounded by the charm of this picturesque location and the delightful company of familiar faces popping in throughout the day to say hi and show their support.

The event, hosted by the East Kent Art Society (EKAS), was a fantastic opportunity for artists of all abilities to showcase their talents against the backdrop of Sandwich’s stunning scenery. 

Part of the much-loved Le Weekend festival, this year's Plein Air Weekend embraced a medieval theme, complete with fascinating demonstrations of medieval life and combat. As attendees wandered the Quay, they could enjoy a vibrant array of crafts and live demonstrations, enriching the atmosphere and inspiring our creativity.

The day began with eager participants setting up their easels and materials. The freedom to paint wherever inspiration struck led to a diverse array of artworks, with each piece capturing a unique perspective of Sandwich. Some artists worked across both days, while others joined in for just one, creating a delightful medley of styles and interpretations.

Welcoming new members this year added an exciting dynamic to the event. Their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives invigorated the atmosphere and fostered connections among participants. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with fellow artists and share our artistic journeys.

At the EKAS Pop-up Gallery gazebo, members showcased up to two of their previously completed works, highlighting the impressive talent within our community. It was especially rewarding to see how many artists chose to replace unsold pieces with new creations made over the weekend, truly celebrating our collective spirit of creativity.

Overall, the East Kent Plein Air Weekend was a lovely experience, filled with inspiration, camaraderie, and creativity. I’m already looking forward to the next opportunity to create in such a beautiful setting!

EKAS New Members' Day

News Entry #010

13/05/2025

As the Secretary of the East Kent Art Society, I am excited to share the highlights of our remarkable New Members' Selection Day held at Wingham Village Hall yesterday!

The day kicked off at 10 am in The Miles Room, where we welcomed a record number of aspiring artists eager to showcase their talent. This year’s event featured an impressive selection of artworks, resulting in the highest number of pieces recalled for review in recent history.

In a wonderful display of community spirit, every participating candidate received a discount voucher for The Dog, a local pub that kindly partnered with us for the event. Their support was greatly appreciated by all.

The selection process was both rigorous and rewarding, consisting of multiple rounds of reviews. We are delighted to announce that the committee voted to welcome 12 new members into our society—a stunning 50% success rate! The level of talent on display was incredible, and it was heartening to see so many candidates express their gratitude for the opportunity to present their art and connect with like-minded creatives.

As we reach out to inform the successful candidates of their acceptance, I look forward to integrating them into our vibrant community. If you couldn’t make it to this year’s selection day, keep an eye out for details about next year’s event, which we’ll be announcing later this year.

Collage Social @ Wagtails

News Entry #009

11/05/2025

What a fabulous afternoon I had hosting at Wagtails Cafe and Bar yesterday! 

The Bay Collage Club's fourth Free Collage Social was a huge success, bringing together art enthusiasts and families in the heart of Birchington to celebrate World Collage Day! 

From 3pm to 6pm, visitors enjoyed an afternoon filled with creativity, laughter, and community spirit. With all materials provided, participants let their imaginations run wild, crafting fabulous unique collages. 

It was wonderful to see both new faces and familiar friends joining in the fun. Thank you to everyone who came out to support The Bay Collage Club!

A special shoutout to Wagtails Cafe & Bar for their warm hospitality and delicious refreshments! 

I can’t wait to do it all over again! Stay tuned for more events, and keep creating! 

Water @ Beach Creative

News Entry #008

18/04/2025

I attended the preview of the WATER exhibition at Beach Creative earlier this evening, and it was a genuinely worthwhile experience. The collection showcases a diverse range of artworks that explore the themes of water in various forms, highlighting both its beauty and movement.

I’m pleased to say that I have two collages included in the exhibition. It was lovely to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and hear from the artists about their inspirations and processes. If you’re in the area, I encourage you to pop in and visit the exhibition, which runs until 1st May. There’s plenty to appreciate and reflect on.

Collage Social @ The Pier Ceylon

News Entry #007

09/12/2024

I had an absolutely amazing afternoon at The Pier Ceylon hosting the second Collage Social from The Bay Collage Club! The festive atmosphere was electric and the venue was filled to the brim with eager participants. 

The collages created were simply stunning, ranging from winter wonderlands to Christmas seascapes! It was a joy to see so many new faces and to witness the creativity flowing freely.

If you missed this event, don’t worry... I’ll definitely be hosting more in 2025! What a fantastic way to celebrate the art of collage!

Herne Bay Wall Calendar

EKOH 2024 It's a Wrap!

News Entry #006

27/10/2024

Check out these wonderful moments captured with just some of the amazing visitors to my studio over the last few weekends! Thank you to everyone who came out to support my small business and share their love of art, and of course thank you to East Kent Artists' Open Houses for yet another spectacular event.

If you missed out this time, don’t worry! I’ll be hosting another Open Studio before Christmas, so you can come and stock up on unique gifts and cards.

...and in addition, I'll be offering FREE workshop tasters once again in promotion of The Bay Collage Club.

EKOH Launch Event

News Entry #006

11/10/2024

I’m so excited to share that my East Kent Artists' Open Houses launch event was a fantastic success! A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support and celebrate with me. Your enthusiasm truly made the night special! 

I’d like to give a special shoutout to 6-year-old Dylan for his fantastic role as resident photographer! His creativity and eye for detail captured some amazing moments, and I couldn’t be more grateful!

I look forward to seeing you all over the next three weekends as we dive into more collage fun! Don’t forget, I have FREE Taster Collage Workshops, unique artworks, and complimentary refreshments waiting for you.

Bring your friends and family… see you soon! 

Collage Social @ The Pier Ceylon

News Entry #005

8/09/2024

I had such a fantastic afternoon at The Pier Ceylon hosting the first Collage Social from The Bay Collage Club! Every table was full and I’m sorry to those I couldn’t seat.

The collages created were absolutely stunning - from florals to seascapes to sea swimmers... even a pint of Guinness!

It was so great to meet so many new faces and see the creativity flowing. Several people booked for my upcoming Christmas workshops and I now have a waiting list for my morning Collage and a Cuppa classes.

If you missed this event, don't worry... I'll definitely be doing it again in the coming months! What a successful start to the new term! 

Open Studio Summer 2024

News Entry #004

17/08/2024

Wow, what a great day at the Summer Open Studio! I met lots of new people and am delighted to have signed up some new  members at The Bay Collage Club… I can’t wait to see the fabulous collages you all create. 

Thank you so much to my existing members for popping in to join in the fun. The Prosecco was flowing and the creativity was next level! 

If you missed out, be sure to pop along in October for East Kent Artists' Open Houses.

Collage Art Show

News Entry #003

17/08/2024

The first two dates of A Month of Sundays at Garage Gallery have come and gone, and the event has been a resounding success. Visitors had the opportunity to explore a captivating collage group show featuring a dozen talented artists including myself, as well as outdoor installations by Merike Sein.

The Private View on Saturday 3rd August was a hit, with guests enjoying glasses of Prosecco and engaging with the artists behind the stunning creations.

With two more dates remaining on the 18th and 25th of August, there is still time to experience this one-of-a-kind art show. Don't miss the chance to support local talent and immerse yourself in a world of creativity at Garage Gallery. 

EKAS Annual Summer Exhibition

News Entry #002

01/07/2024

The Annual Summer Exhibition at St Mary's Art Centre in Sandwich, held from 23rd to 30th June 2024, was a resounding success, showcasing a diverse range of talent from East Kent Artist Society members. The exhibition featured a stunning collection of artwork, including paintings, prints, and greeting cards. I was fortunate to have  the opportunity to exhibit five of my own framed works alongside other artists as well as unframed pieces for the browsers, creating a comprehensive display of creativity.

Stewarding, an essential aspect of the event, was well-coordinated with artists volunteering their time to ensure a smooth running exhibition. The dedication of the artists and organisers was evident throughout, creating a welcoming atmosphere for attendees. The positive feedback received from both artists and visitors highlighted the impact of the exhibition in the local art community.

As the exhibition concluded on 30th June, all artwork was promptly removed, emphasising the professionalism and organisation of the event. The success of the Annual Summer Exhibition was a testament to the hard work and talent of the East Kent Art Society committee and members. The society looks forward to providing more opportunities for artists to showcase their work and engage with art lovers in the future.  Be sure to follow the East Kent Art Society on Facebook and subscribe to the EKAS email newsletter to receive our schedule of events.

Plein Air, Le Weekend Sandwich

News Entry #001

01/07/2024

I recently stepped out of my comfort zone and participated in the East Kent Art Society Le Weekend Plein Air event in Sandwich. It was a vast change from my usual collage work as I found a lovely spot in the grounds of St Clements Church to create a pen and ink drawing.

The finished piece was framed and available for purchase at the EKAS gazebo in Market Street on day two of the Le Weekend festival. I was thrilled to see it sell and I can honestly say it was a truly rewarding experience. I encourage everyone to try something new and embrace the artistic opportunities that come your way.

If you’d like to take part next year, follow the East Kent Art Society on Facebook and subscribe to our email newsletter to ensure you receive our schedule of events.