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The Biggest Ever Medway Open Studios & Arts Festival, 13 – 21 July 2013
More than 200 artists across 32 venues will be opening their doors this July as part of the Medway Open Studios & Arts Festival. Spread across Lower Higham, Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham, the annual Festival is the largest art trail of its kind in the area.
Founder and Festival Director, Heather Burgess, is thrilled by the speed the Festival is growing. “I started the Festival because I wanted to reach out to the non-arts community and promote the huge creative bustle in Medway. The best feedback is often by long-time Medway residents, who have discovered new opportunities, made friends in their local community and learnt about facilities they never knew existed- right on their doorstep.”
To provide a taster of what to expect from the open studio artists three Festival exhibitions are planned. Work by participants from across the Festival will be on display in The Deaf Cat Gallery & Café, Walderslade Library and Lordswood Library throughout July. If you like what you see, you can then visit the artist during their open studios for more.
The Festival runs from Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 July 2013
The CreataboX art vending machine will also be around during the festival – it will be located at Sun Pier apart from on the 14th July when it will be at the Rochester Literature Festival Summer Garden Party – at the Good Intent pub in Rochester. Also on the 20th and 21st July it will be at Ridley Road.
The Open Studios
1) Fiona Spirals
The Crow’s Nest, 4 Hope Terrace, Church Street, Lower Higham, ME3 7LH
As an artist, I started 20 years ago, writing poetry about the North Kent Marshes. Now I work in paint, mixed media, collage, and photography, exploring the immense but subtle power of this space.
Open: Sat 13th 10am – 4pm, Mon 15th 3pm – 6pm, Tues 16th 3pm – 6pm, Wed 17th 3pm – 6pm, Thurs 18th 3pm – 6pm, Fri 19th 3pm – 6pm, Sat 10am – 4pm
2) Simon Mills
10 Borstal Street, Rochester, ME1 3AH
I am a landscape artist working in oils, my subjects range from London at night, the Dockyard and the Medway Valley
Open: Sat 13 10am – 6pm, Sun 14 10am – 6pm, Sat 20 10am – 6pm, Sun 21 10am – 6pm
3) Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School
Maidstone Road, Rochester, ME1 3EL
www.sirjosephwilliamson.medway.sch.uk
An exhibition of GCSE and A-Level work produced by current artists and photographers
Open: Tues 16 5pm – 7pm
4) The Ridley Road Group
1 Ridley Road, Rochester, ME1 1UL
A truly diverse collective of artist makers at the home of the Hazelnut Press, showing Beverley Bunn’s glass art; Carol Norton’s silver, resin jewellery & ceramics; Dolly Dewberry’s plump cushions and soft furnishings; Heather Haythornthwaite’s etchings, linocuts and watercolours, together with enigmatic haunting pieces by Malcolm Attryde
Exhibiting artists; Heather Haythornthwaite, Beverley Bunn, Carol Norton, Dolly Dewbury, Malcolm Attryde
Open: Sat 13 12pm – 5pm, Sun 14 12pm – 5pm, Wed 17 4pm – 7pm, Thurs 18 4pm – 7pm, Friday 4pm – 7pm, Sat 20 12 – 5pm, Sat 21 12 – 5pm
5) The Hazelnut Press
1 Ridley Road, Rochester, ME1 1UL
Come and see this open access fine art printing studio at work with intaglio and relief printmaking happening, and great inky prints to buy.
Open: Sat 13 12pm – 5pm, Sun 14 12pm – 5pm, Sat 20 12pm – 5pm, Sun 21 12pm – 5pm,
6) Richard Reader
3 Ridley Road, Rochester, ME1 1UL
www.richardreaderphotography.co.uk
Photographs of dereliction & decay, landscapes (urban & rural), architecture and abstracts
Open: Thurs 6pm – 9pm, Friday 6pm – 9pm, Saturday 20th 10am – 7pm, Sunday 21st 10am – 7pm,
7) Nikki Price
27 Ridley Road, Rochester, ME1 1UL
www.nikkipricephotography.wordpress.com
Freedom of the Nude – a selection of portraits exploring ourselves without barriers!
Open: Sat 13th 12pm – 5pm, Sun 14th 12pm – 5pm, Fri 5pm – 7pm, Sat 20th 12pm – 5pm, Sun 21st 12pm – 5pm,
8) Oooo Handbags
28 Langdon Road, Rochester, ME1 1UN
I make unique, individually crafted handbags, make-up bags and purses from unusual fabrics with interesting linings
Open: Sat 13th 11am – 5pm, Sun 14th 11am – 5pm, Wed 4pm – 7pm, Thurs 4pm – 7pm, Fri 4pm – 7pm, Sat 20th 11am – 5pm, Sun 11am – 5pm,
9) Bernard Allum
Delta Studio, St. Margaret’s Mews, Rochester, ME1 1TLJ
Small worlds and large vistas. Objet d’art and paintings
Open: Sat 13th 12 – 5:30pm, Sun 14th 12 – 5:30pm, Wed 17th 4pm – 8pm, Thurs 18th 4pm – 8pm, Fri 19th 2pm – 6pm, Sat 20th 12 – 5:30pm, Sun 21st 12 – 5:30pm
10) Rochester Cathedral
The Precinct, Rochester, ME1 1SX
Showing a bronze tactile plate of the Cathedral fresco for the sight impaired, made by Wendy Daws. PLEASE DO TOUCH! Meet the artist, Wendy in her studio (Listing No.20) and learn about the process of making the tactile fresco)
Open daily from 07:30 to 18:00 (17:00 on Saturdays). Access may be restricted during services.
Wheelchair access through the North Door
11) Fraser Peek
Downstairs in the Singapora Lounge, 51 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LN
Art that slaps you in the face with its simple beauty or symbolic reference, provoking some kind of awareness or emotion
Open: Sat 13 11am – 6pm, Sun 14 11am – 8pm, Mon – Fri 11am – 8pm, Sat 20 11am – 6pm
12) Nucleus Arts, Rochester
Nucleus Gallery, 75 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LX
A not-for-profit retail venue promoting the creative arts in Kent. We offer local artists, jewellers, photographers, designers, writers and musicians a platform to sell their creations. Come along and look around at the wonderful talent on your doorstep.
Open: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm
13) The Rochester Film Society, screening of Sunrise
Nucleus Gallery, 75 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LX
www.facebook.com/rochesterfilmsociety
Screening of ‘Sunrise’, FW Murnau’s classic 1927 tale of a married farmer who falls under the spell of a slatternly woman from the city, who tries to convince him to drown his wife.
Followed by a discussion over a drink. Please bring drinks and nibbles.
Sun 21 July doors open 7:30pm, film starts 8pm.
Booking Information: Free to attend. Limited places available, email nickwalker62@yahoo.co.uk to reserve place
14) The Deaf Cat Cafe & Gallery
83 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LX
A festival exhibition, showcasing work by various artists taking part in the festival, offering a teaser of what to expect from each venue
Exhibition dates – Monday 1 July – Sunday 28 July.
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 5pm
Wheelchair accessible
15) The Medway Poetry Group
Rochester Visitors Centre, 95 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LX
Encouraging and promoting poetry to all ages. Reading light hearted and romantic poetry. Book at least a week in advance if you would like to read at the event
Open: Sat 20, event starts at 1:45pm. Entry fee- Adults £1; Students and Children 50p. Pay on the door
Wheelchair accessible via lift
16) The Rochester Literature Festival Garden Party
The Good Intent pub, John Street, Rochester, ME1 1YL
Join us for a delightful cultural mix of open mic opportunities, storytelling and a special Seasonally Effected session. For more details visit the website. FREE!
Open: Sun 14, 12noon – 4pm
17) Medway Adult Education Centre
Eastgate, Rochester, ME1 1EW
The adult education centre opens up with free art show by students and tutors
Open: Mon – Fri 10am – 8pm
18) Ben Cameron
‘Above the butcher’ 177a High Street, Rochester, ME1 1EH
My work ranges from doodles to highly detailed illustrations. I’ll be exhibiting new artwork as well as selling cards, printed bags and hand drawn pictures.
Open: Sat 13th 10am- 5pm, Sun 14th 10am – 5pm, Mon 15th 2pm – 6pm, Thurs 18th 2pm – 6pm, Fri 19th 2pm – 6pm, Sat 20th 10am – 5pm, Sun 21st 10am – 5pm
19) The Rochester Independent College
254 St. Margaret’s Banks, High Street, Rochester, ME1 1HY
An exhibition of work from GCSE and A Level students studying fine art, graphics, photography, textiles & 3D.
Open: Mon 15 10am – 1pm, Tues 16 10am – 1pm, Wed 17 10am – 1pm, Thurs 18 10am – 1pm, Fri 19 10am – 1pm
20) Wendy Daws
The Tack Room, Hulkes Lane, Rochester, ME1 1EE
I have made a tactile version of the Rochester Cathedral fresco by Sergei Fyodorov. PLEASE DO TOUCH.
Open: Sat 13 11am – 6pm, Sun 14 11am – 5pm, Thurs 18 11am – 5pm, Fri 19 11am – 5pm, Sat 20 11am – 6pm, Sun 21 11am – 5pm
20) Jane Pitt
The Tack Room, Hulkes Lane, Rochester, ME1 1EE
Jane Pitt creates participatory and interactive works. She is motivated by the desire to create experiences for a broad range of people; through workshops, live events, commissions and self-initiated projects.
Open: Sat 20 10am – 6pm, Sun 21 10am – 6pm, Meet her at the Tack Room for a short festival exclusive INTRA SOUND WALK at 2pm on Sat 20/Sun 21 July
21) Café Moroc
357 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1DA
www.cafemoroc.co.uk Cafe Moroc will host an exhibition of work by users of the Coal Shed Press, a fine art printmaking studio (located just behind the cafe). Rest your feet between venues and all festival visitors can enjoy 10% off during the festival (please show your festival guide and talk with the staff before ordering).Open Monday to Saturday 10am – 4pm. Evening dining Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7pm – 11pm
22) Ciaran McKay
Scullery Studios, rear of 376 High Street (behind Café Moroc), Rochester, ME1 1DA
Ciaran McKay’s interior wood products are about making the most of the trees that have already been cut down and creating luxurious hand crafted items that are not only decorative, with their striking palette, but functional as well.
Open: Sat 13th 10am – 4:30pm, Sun 14th 10am – 4:30pm, Mon 15th 10am – 4:30pm, Tues 16th 10am – 4:30pm, Wed 17th 10am – 4:30pm, Thurs 10am – 4:30pm, Fri 19th 10am – 4:30pm, Sat 20th 10am – 4:30pm, Sun 10am – 4:30pm
23) The Coalshed Press
Unit 1 Boundary Wharf, rear of 375 High Street (behind Café Moroc), Rochester, ME1 1DA
Screen prints, etchings, wood and lino-cuts. Love printmaking? So do we. Workshops, demo’s and prints for sale
Open: Sat 13th 11am – 6pm, Sun 14th 11am – 6pm, Wed 11am – 6pm, Thurs 5pm – 9pm, Fri 5pm – 9pm, Sat 20th 11am – 6pm, Sun 21st 11am – 6pm,
24) Printed Wonders
Unit 2 Boundary Wharf, rear of 375 High Street (behind Café Moroc), Rochester, ME1 1DA
Xtina Lamb’s screen printing, Gocco & textiles studio. Prints, bags & illustrated bunting. Free drop-in print activities
Open: Sat 13th 11am – 6pm, Sun 14th 11am – 6pm, Wed 5pm – 9pm, Thurs 5pm – 9pm, Fri 5pm- 9pm, Sat 20th 11am – 6pm, Sun 21st 11am – 6pm,
Wheelchair accessible
25) The Sun Pier Artists
Sun Pier House, Sun Wharf, Medway Street, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4HF
Sun Pier Artists currently consists of six artists exploring through different means and practices, from fascinating glass objects to jewellery, paintings and installations.
Resident artists: Lucea Campbell, Wendy Smith, Rosie Melville, Chris Thomson, Rossi Ignatova, Louise Nevett
Open: Sat 13 July – 11am – 6pm, Sun 14 July – 11am – 6pm, Fri 19 July – 4pm – 8pm, Sat 20 July 11am – 6pm, Sun 21 July – 11am – 6pm
26) Makers Market
Sun Pier House, Sun Wharf, Medway Street, Chatham, ME4 4HF
Open: Sat 13 11am – 6pm, Sun 14 11am – 6pm, Sat 20 11am – 6pm, Sun 21 11am – 6pm,
Featured stallholders-
Lianne Williams
Portraiture and fashion illustrations created in colour pencil, graphite, watercolour and embellishments
Exhibiting: Sat 13 11am – 6pm, Sun 14 11am – 6pm, Sat 20 11am – 6pm, Sun 21 11am – 6pm,
Ctrl Alt Defeat Clothing
We’ll be selling our latest line of ‘Geek-Chic’ apparel, as well as promoting our custom garment printing services.
Exhibiting: Sat 13 11am – 6pm, Sun 14 11am – 6pm,
Icon Theatre Creatives
Icon Theatre Creatives are a group of stunning individual artists specialising in a variety of art forms.
Exhibiting: Sat 13 11am – 6pm, Sun 14 11am – 6pm,
Graham Lock
Traditional watercolours and oils – many subjects. Also icons, prints and cards.
Exhibiting: Sun 14 July 11am – 6pm, Sat 20 July 11am – 6pm
Light in my Art
I produce handcrafted/ painted acrylic and glassware related to light. Glass painting workshops throughout the day (window stickers)
Exhibiting: Sat 20 11am – 6pm, Sun 21 11am – 6pm
bunted! Bespoke bunting
Bunted is a specialist bespoke bunting company founded by two sass-tastic Aussie expats. Bunted! Hand make their bunting from new and up-cycled fabrics
Exhibiting: Sat 20 11am – 6pm, Sun 21 11am – 6pm
Gloria & Mabel
Handmade home-wares, including personalised cushions, doorstops, noticeboards and more. Custom orders taken.
Exhibiting: Sat 13 11am – 6pm, Sun 14 11am – 6pm, Sat 20 11am – 6pm, Sun 21 11am – 6pm,
27) The West End Studios
Entrance via The Health House (opposite Argos), 116 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4BY
West End Studios is an artist’s collective made up of fine artists, a street artist and a furniture up-cycler.
Resident artists: Laura Murphy, John Robinson, Sarah Wright, Winifred Baker, Christine Hall, Miqui Art by 1STOP, Ann Welch, Richard Curtis
Open: Sat 13 10am – 5pm, Tues 16 10am – 5pm, Thurs 18 10am – 5pm, Sat 20 10am – 5pm
28) Nucleus Resident Artists
Nucleus Arts Centre, 272 High Street, Chatham, ME4 4BP
www.facebook.com/NucleusArtists
35 Artists showing original works of Arts and Crafts. Resident artists work showcased in the on-site gallery. Affordable Art Scheme available on all gallery and studio sales. Café Nucleus will be open, serving a variety of delicious food and drink.
Resident artists; Donna Chapman, Holly Aird, Anne Taylor, Chris Van Beck, Jon Gubbay, Obi, Arteeest eX, Maggie Osborn, Natalie Sampson, Giedrem, Peter Reeds, Deborah Saunders, Marissa Mardon, Tina Kean, Christopher Sacre, Sarah Langstone, Sian Bostwick Jewellery, Angie Berkley and Milo Andreas.
Open: Sat 13 10am – 6pm, Sun 14 10am – 6pm, Sat 20 10am – 6pm, Sun 21 10am – 6pm
Partial wheelchair access – Access to ground floor studios, Nucleus Gallery and Café Nucleus
29) Chiron Mottram
17 Castlemaine Ave, Gillingham, ME7 2QA
www.sites.google.com/site/chispaintings/
Small oil paintings based on landscapes with a minimal aspect
Open: Sat 13 11am – 4pm, Wed 17 11am – 2pm, Thurs 18 11am – 2pm, Fri 19 11am – 2pm, Sat 20 11am – 5pm, Sun 21 11am – 5pm
30) Artists in Arms
The Hastings Arms, 18 Lower Rainham Road, Gillingham, ME7 2YD
Whet your artistic appetite in an 18th Century pub – Relax – Enjoy the art – Have a pint too!
Exhibiting artists: Zee Fincham, Racel Elizabeth Howett, Alan Deacon
Open: Sat 13 12 – 6pm, Mon 15 12 – 6pm, Tues 16 12 – 6pm, Wed 17 12 – 6pm, Thurs 18 12 – 6pm, Fri 19 12 – 6pm, Sat 20 12 – 6pm
31) Walderslade Library
Walderslade Village Library, Walderslade Centre, Walderslade Road, ME5 9LR
A festival exhibition, showcasing work by various artists taking part in the festival, offering a teaser of what to expect from each venue
Exhibition dates: Tues 2nd July – Tues 30th July
Opening hours: Every Tues 9am-6pm, Wed 2pm-6pm, Thurs 2pm-6pm, Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm
32) Lordswood Library
Lordswood Library, Kestrel Road, Lordswood, Chatham, ME5 8TH
A festival exhibition, showcasing work by various artists taking part in the festival, offering a teaser of what to expect from each venue
Exhibition dates – Mon 1st July- Sun 28th July
Opening hours: Every Mon 9am – 5pm, Tues 2pm – 5pm, Thurs 9am – 5pm, Fri 2pm- 5pm, Sat 10am – 4pm
Wheelchair accessible
THE EXHIBITION DATES
The Deaf Cat Café & Gallery
83 High Street, Rochester, ME1 1LX
Exhibition dates – Mon 1st July – Sun 28th July
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 9am – 5pm, Sun 10am – 5pm
Wheelchair accessible
Walderslade Library
Walderslade Village Library, Walderslade Centre, Walderslade Road, ME5 9LR
Exhibition dates: Tues 2nd July – Tues 30th July
Opening hours: Every Tues 9am-6pm, Wed 2pm-6pm, Thurs 2pm-6pm, Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-4pm
Lordswood Library
Lordswood Library, Kestrel Road, Lordswood, Chatham, ME5 8TH
Exhibition dates – Mon 1st July- Sun 28th July
Opening hours: Every Mon 9am – 5pm, Tues 2pm – 5pm, Thurs 9am – 5pm, Fri 2pm- 5pm, Sat 10am – 4pm
Wheelchair accessible
Creatabot 
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