Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Plenty of inspiration as artists open their studios
Sculptures and portraits
That there are 36 river bridges in Canterbury? One Festival walk will take you over every single one of them! Alongside world-renowned music, theatre, comedy and science acts, the festival offers an inspiring line-up of visual arts exhibitions, many of which are completely free. Or if being outside is more your cup of tea, then you can kick up some leaves on one of the autumnal guided walks and fully absorb yourself in the abundant and beautiful surroundings of east Kent.
Meet artists in their studios with East Kent Open Houses. Throughout the festival, local artists will be opening their houses and studios to the public, completely free of charge. This is a great chance to see and buy unique artworks and meet the artists within their creative environment. Houses will be open all across the county, with trails available in Canterbury, Faversham, Herne Bay, Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Whitstable, Deal and Margate. Visit https://ekoh.org.uk/ for further details. If you find yourself inspired by the wealth of art surrounding you, why not try your hand at making your own clay pot for free at the Canterbury Throwdown? Discover exhibitions across the city including print fairs and shows featuring work from local artists and those ranging from as far afield as South Korea and Russia.
There will be sculptures of urban buildings made from glass, collections of life drawings, silk wearable art and some curious insects cast in silver.
The Sidney Cooper Gallery is bringing artist Bethan Lloyd Worthington to the festival, with her first solo show, Shell-lit Siambr. Through installations of ceramics, drawings and textiles, she explores personal and prehistoric connections between bodies and the landscape. The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge will be hosting the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize – a unique opportunity to view 57 portraits by some of the most exciting and contemporary photographers from around the world.