Wealden Times | WT261 | February 2024 | Education Supplement inside

2024
The Art Calendar
For all those interested in art, the first
half of 2024 holds lots of potential to
explore for all tastes and timetables
Until Sun 3 March
The Dance of People and
the Natural World
Lagos-based artist Nengi Omuku’s first major UK solo
exhibition comes to Hastings Contemporary. Exploring
her profound love of nature Omuku’s recent works evoke
a sense of safety, serenity, and re-immersion into nature.
The exhibition also beautifully presents the vibrant
contemporary Nigerian art scene, with Omuku’s use of
composite strips of the Nigerian fabric sanyan.​
Find out more at hastingscontemporary.org
Until Sat 9 March
Catherine McVean:
Artist in Focus
New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham, Surrey, puts a
spotlight on Catherine McVean’s renowned still life oil
paintings. McVean paints traditional and quite ordinary
subjects with a vibrant sense of colour and texture,
and an interesting mix of classical composition with a
contemporary touch. The end results are timeless and
serene celebrations of the beauty of the everyday, calling
to us all to stop and smell the roses once in a while.
Find out more at newashgate.org.uk
Fri 15 – Sun 17 March
Contemporary Textiles
Fair 2024
For this special event, the iconic Landmark
Arts Centre in Teddington will be filled with
over 50 artist stands, hands-on workshops, live
demos, and inspiring special exhibitions at this
much-anticipated event. Textile enthusiasts and
collectors will find textural artworks, wearable
masterpieces, handmade homeware, and unique
curiosities, all of great contemporary quality!
Find out more at landmarkartscentre.org
Every Weekend in May
Artists Open Houses
Alongside the Brighton and Fringe Festivals, this
unusual celebration of art gives artists from all
walks of life the opportunity to show their work.
It’s a unique chance to wander Brighton delving
into the worlds of interesting local creatives beyond
the art world mainstream. See art displayed in
welcoming, open and friendly settings from small
galleries, studios, and even some artists’ own homes,
often with treats and entertainment to enjoy too!
Find out more at aoh.org.uk
Wed 6 – Sat 10 March
Affordable Art Fair
Affordable Art Fair returns to Battersea Park this Spring!
This unforgettable week of art is a great opportunity
to discover the best in contemporary art from over 100
leading local and international galleries. Expect thousands
of pieces in all styles and mediums available from £50 to
£7,500. See a special brand-new installation celebrating
International Women’s Day, curated edits of the best art
under £500, Art After Dark Lates, and delightful bars and
cafés. There’s something for every art lover to enjoy!
Find out more at affordableartfair.com
Until 14 April
The Ellen Prebble
Exhibition
Hastings-own, Ellen Prebble’s joyful family-friendly
work is filled with bold colour and familiar scenes
with influences from pop culture, animals and the
natural world. Having studied Art at Hastings College,
joined the studio at Project Art Works (a collective of
neurodiverse artists and activists), and often visiting
Hastings Museum & Art Gallery throughout her life
– this is the perfect setting for her first solo show.
Find out more at hmag.org.uk
Wed 7 Feb – Sat 1June
Graham Clarke: A
Retrospective – 65 years
of printmaking
Guaranteed to lift your spirits and make you smile.
Maidstone Museum is offering a tour through Graham
Clarke’s wonderful 65 years depicting Kentish scenes,
misinterpretations of history, travel, boats and the sea,
Shakespeare and much more besides – in his characterful,
incredibly detailed, often humorous, arch-topped
etchings. Find out more at grahamclarke.co.uk
51
priceless-magazines.com