We appreciate art in all it many forms, so going along to the Kenilworth Artists’ exhibition held in St John’s Church, Kenilworth, was a great morning out. Not least to see people actually getting out and about once more – following Government guidelines, obviously, but because of the amazing talent all in one room. The exhibition is on until Sunday 4th July 2021.
You’ll
find displays of hand-crafted items including paintings, ceramics, glass,
mosaics, textiles, prints, cards and much more. And of course, you’ll have the
opportunity to meet and chat to many of the artists about their work.
While the majority of the artists in this group have long been involved in their particular craft, the group as a whole only got together a few years ago. As individual artists, the majority of these talented people knew each other or knew of each other’s work, but many hadn’t met or joined together for an art event.
Thanks to Jo Ricketts who works in fused glass, plus a handful of the artists, they organised the group Kenilworth Artists, which now has a strong presence on social media, and of course come together to put on fabulous exhibitions for the public.
Holding their current exhibition in the tranquil setting of 19th century St John’s Church, is a perfect venue amid the sandstone arches and stained-glass windows. They have ensured that lockdown restrictions and safeguards are all adhered to, ensuring a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere on the opening day. Visitors could happily browse the artwork, talk to the artists, and even have tea and cake.
The work on display was incredibly varied; paintings included watercolours, acrylic and oils; from the brilliant wildlife and landscape works in all those mediums by Chris R. Saunderson, to the wide variety of photography and artwork created by Natalie Thurman.
As mentioned, Jo Ricketts makes the most beautiful and unique ornaments and decorative pieces from fused glass – working with flat glass and a kiln, her skills produce outstanding work.
Also, creating artwork that captures the attention is Kevin Alexander whose tools include a credit card and masking tape as much as a paintbrush!
Captivated by the unusual perspective of her latest ‘lockdown’ paintings of the Kenilworth street she lives on, Karen explained to me: “These have been such strange times, I wanted these paintings to look a bit strange – a bit disorientating, hence the bending of buildings. And one shows the people out in the street, clapping the NHS. To get the perspective of distance and what can actually be seen far off, I’ve found that looking at Google Earth helps!”
Husband and wife artists Anna and Richard Poynter were both exhibiting their paintings and hand-crafted works. Richard, making sleek wooden clocks and Anna making mosaics of wildlife amongst other things. And while both clearly shared a love of painting, their own personalities shone through in their individual styles of work.
Leanne Simmons’ passion for wildlife and nature is evident in her almost dreamy paintings in oils and watercolours. She says that she strives to produce vibrant, emotion-provoking pieces of art. Something which I have to say, she certainly achieves.
Meanwhile,
Louise Hutton exhibited some stunning portraits – not least was her version of
David Bowie’s iconic Ziggy Stardust look. She also creates large acrylic
paintings of cars such as the Aston Martin and famous celebrities such as Marilyn
Monroe, Amy Winehouse and George Harrison in a pop art style.
Finally,
for our visit we chatted to Melanie Dearing, a trained architect who has been
painting all her life, but recently has been concentrating on boats and
harbours for their shapes and colours. Her striking canvasses revealed the fact
that she is currently painting in just five colours – red, yellow, blue, black
with a white background.
No doubt
your visit will discover your own favourite artists and works of art. All were
unique but had two things in common. All the artists lived in Kenilworth at the
heart of the Midlands, and all are passionate about art.
This free
exhibition which runs until Sunday 4th July is in conjunction with
Warwickshire Open Studios, www.wostudios.org
Discover
more about Kenilworth artists on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenilworthartists
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kenilworth_artists/
This article was
first published in B-C-ing-U on-line magazine:
https://b-c-ing-u.com/art/meet-the-kenilworth-artists/
If any Kenilworth artists
would like high res copies of any of the images published here or on B-C-ing-U, please email
Rob: robert.tysall@outlook.com
More images here and at B-C-ing_U.com
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