Celebrating Success: The 110th Annual Summer Exhibition Wraps Up...
Sunday 29th June 2025
The 110th Annual Summer Exhibition at St Mary’s Art Centre in Sandwich has officially come to an end, and what a fantastic event it has been! After opening on 21st June, we welcomed record numbers of visitors, a clear sign of the hard work put in by our members to promote this year’s exhibition.
110th Annual Summer Exhibition Preview
Friday 20th June 2025
This evening, our Society hosted a fantastic Preview event from 6pm to 8pm, celebrating the 110th Annual Summer Exhibition at St Mary’s Art Centre in Sandwich. The event was a resounding success, filled with creativity and community spirit as attendees enjoyed a stunning collection of artwork created by our talented members.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the committee and all the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to promote and organise this event! The curation of the exhibition is fabulous, showcasing a diverse array of original art, prints, and greeting cards. From oil paintings to coloured pencil pieces, there was something for every art enthusiast to appreciate.
Congratulations to all artists who sold their work—your talent shone brightly and captivated the audience. If you missed the Preview, don’t worry! The exhibition will be open daily from 10am to 5pm until Sunday June 29th.
We’re excited to announce that we have now secured silver sponsorship from Effie McLean, an independent lifestyle store located in the historic town of Sandwich!
Specialising in women’s clothing, children’s wear, and beautiful goods for the home, Effie McLean’s support is invaluable as we prepare for our 110th Annual Summer Exhibition.
This generous sponsorship will contribute towards the cost of printing our exhibition programmes, which are now at the printers ahead of the exhibition preview this Friday evening!
We are delighted to announce that Carrie Horwood of Cat’s Eye Carving is our gold sponsor for our 110th Annual Summer Exhibition! 🎉
Carrie's generous support will help us cover the costs of printing our exhibition programmes. We greatly appreciate her commitment to the arts and the community.
Interested in getting involved? Our silver sponsorship is up for grabs before the programme is printed on Tuesday 17th June! For just £20, sponsors will receive a 1/4 page advert in the programme, a shout-out on our social media, and a feature on our website. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity! Email us at info@eastkentartsociety.co.uk to secure your sponsorship.
Sandwich, 08/06/25 — The East Kent Art Society (EKAS) is delighted to share the highlights of the recently concluded East Kent Plein Air Weekend, which took place on the 7th and 8th of June in the picturesque town of Sandwich. This annual event welcomed artists of all abilities and provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talents amid the charming scenery.
Wingham Village Hall, 11/05/25 — The East Kent Art Society celebrated a noteworthy New Members' Selection Day today, witnessing a remarkable turnout of aspiring artists eager to showcase their work. Held from 10am at The Miles Room in Wingham Village Hall, the event attracted a record number of candidates and featured the highest number of artworks recalled for review in recent history.
In a gesture of community support, each participating candidate was given a discount voucher for The Dog, a local pub that generously partnered with the EKAS for the event.
The rigorous selection process involved multiple rounds of review, culminating in a committee vote that welcomed 12 new members into the society—a staggering 50% success rate. The high level of talent displayed was evident, with many candidates expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to present their art and connect with fellow creatives.
As successful candidates await notification of their acceptance, EKAS looks forward to integrating them into its dynamic community. If you missed this year's selection day, be sure to look out for next year's date, which will be released later in the year.
On Saturday 26th April 2025, EKAS members and committee gathered at Wingham Village Hall for the annual general meeting (AGM) of 2025. The event was marked by a spirit of collaboration and enthusiasm, reflecting the commitment of all participants to the society’s goals and future.
During the meeting, attendees conducted a review of the society’s performance over the past year, discussing achievements and challenges faced. These insights sparked valuable conversations about future strategies aimed at enhancing the society's initiatives and outreach.
The election of committee members and their positions was confirmed and will play a vital role in steering the society towards its goals in the coming year. The appointments reflect a blend of experience and fresh perspectives, ensuring a dynamic approach to the society's operations.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with members expressing excitement for the year ahead. With renewed energy and focus, EKAS is poised for an exceptional year of exhibiting and community engagement.
Mark your diaries with our upcoming events and exhibitions.
Are you passionate about art and looking to showcase your talent? The East Kent Art Society invites you to submit your work for consideration for membership!
Membership to our prestigious society is by election, and we are excited to announce our upcoming New Members Selection Day on Sunday 11th May.
This is your opportunity to present your art to the committee for a chance to join our vibrant community of artists.
Date: Sunday 11th May
Time: 10am to 12pm
Location: The Miles Room, Wingham Village Hall
Sandwich Quay, 08/12/24 – The East Kent Art Society embraced the festive spirit with a charming pre-Christmas gathering on a Sunday lunchtime at the Drill Hall Pizzeria in Sandwich Quay. Members came together for an afternoon filled with laughter, good company, and delicious food, setting the perfect tone for the festive season.
This delightful event was part of a new initiative introduced by recent committee member Kevin Jackson, aimed at enhancing community engagement among the society’s members.
As members arrived, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and warmth. The cozy setting of the Drill Hall Pizzeria offered a welcoming space for artists to unwind and reconnect. With a diverse menu featuring freshly baked pizzas, members indulged in a variety of flavors, mirroring the rich tapestry of artistic styles within the society.
This pre-Christmas gathering complemented the Summer Social Cream Tea held back in September at The Bay Collage Club, the studio of member and committee member Alison Drewett. That event brought members together for an afternoon of delightful treats and engaging conversations, and the recent gathering continued this tradition of fostering camaraderie among artists.
Throughout the afternoon, conversations flowed effortlessly as members shared stories about their latest creative projects and discussed upcoming exhibitions for the new year. This gathering served as an excellent opportunity for newer members to mingle with seasoned artists, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
“This lunchtime gathering is a wonderful way for us to celebrate the festive season and our shared love for art,” remarked John Hughes, Honorary Secretary of the East Kent Art Society. “Thanks to Kevin Jackson’s initiative, we’re able to strengthen our bonds and remind ourselves of the supportive network we’ve built over the years.”
As the lunch progressed, members exchanged festive wishes and reflections on the past year’s achievements. The gathering was a heartwarming reminder of the joy and camaraderie that define the East Kent Art Society, where creativity and friendship thrive.
The society looks forward to more gatherings in the new year, eager to continue nurturing a vibrant artistic community in East Kent. Wishing happy holidays to all our members!
The Annual Autumn Art Fair at St Mary's Art Centre in Sandwich, held from 25th to 29th October 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.
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.
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 subscribe to the EKAS mailing list to be updated on our schedule of upcoming events.