One of the things I've really loved seeing during lockdown, is the work of Somerset artist, Esther Jeanes... or should I say the mini works, because Esther has been painting a 'daily miniature' (6x6cm) during this time. These tiny artworks of the Somerset countryside have definitely lifted the spirits in our house, and so I wanted to catch up with Esther, to find out a little bit more about the project and ask her a few questions I thought you'd love to know the answers to. S

If you read the blog and listen to the radio shows regularly, you’ll know one of the things I love is art for all... art that captures the imagination, the heart and the soul, art that brings people together. So, it was only a matter of time before we shared how some of our artists and arts projects across Somerset responded during lockdown - and whilst the work produced is very different, one thing remains true. Whether it’s a personal response or something created with the

A little while ago at the crack of dawn, I woke up, half-asleep, scrambled to find a scrap of paper and scribbled down some lyrics about the Clydach Vale Countryside Park and the coal tips I’d visited with Liam Olds. We'd gone there together, so he could show me where he’d found the White-jawed Yellow-face bee... the inspiration for the song I was writing for the FIFTY BEES arts project. That half-light, between night and morning, is often when I wake up with lyrics or ideas

Get ready for a recap! (like the start of your favourite TV drama, when there’s a 60 second reminder of what happened last time ;)). The story so far is that we’re just a bit excited about the next FIFTY BEES exhibition, which will be held at the Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton next year. I’m a ‘Bee Artist’ in this one, which means I’ll be writing a song in response to the bee I'm given by exhibition creator and awesome needlefelt artist, Lydia Needle. I’ll record the song and p

You might think Somerset fibre artist Lydia Needle's idea for FIFTY BEES started with, well... a bee! ;) It's a good guess, but surprisingly it all began with a butterfly. The large blue butterfly that became extinct in 1979 to be exact - and the fact that changes in the ecosystem, affecting rabbits and red ants, also meant a sad goodbye to blue (until it was amazingly reintroduced in 1984). You see? Everything's connected! Anyway, this got Lydia's mind whirring... what about

We love a cracking arts trail to follow, don't you? And there's definitely a place in our hearts for wise owls! We've got a stunning barn owl that regularly swoops down into our Somerset garden, an odd 'owl coffee table' sculpture (you put the drinks on her flat head ;)) and we've never been the same since the owls were not what they seemed in Twin Peaks... so when we heard about Minerva’s Owls of Bath 2018, you could say we were a bit over-excited! This major public sculptur

Inside the old HSBC building in Shepton Mallet, something rubbish is happening. "Err... so why are you wasting our time with it," you shout, as you reach for the tea/orange squash/gin (delete as appropriate) and vow never to read these blogs ever again! ;) Well, hang on just a minute... we only say rubbish because this beautiful ex-bank (with its' high ceilings, character by the vault-load and new name the 'Art Bank'), has become home to a small group of artists who are takin

We're always on the look out for something a little bit different and we always keep our eyes open for art in unusual places, so this week our heads were well and truly turned by a unique exhibition of textile art. No... it's not in one of our Somerset galleries. It's actually in Yeovil Hospital and that meant we just had to catch up with artist Rebecca Bruton, to find out more about what she's created there - and to ask her some other juicy questions as well! ;) Rebecca's pa

Guess what? Somerset artist Shelley Dyer-Gibbins has done something pretty flipping awesome. She's only gone and won the 'Original Print Prize' in the 21st National Open Art competition (NOA). Hell yeah! :D The competition is described as "a true reflection of the UK and Ireland's top artistic talent" and Shelley's work, 'Cinegirl', was selected for the prestigious prize - out of thousands of entries. To be honest, we're not surprised at all. Her stuff is very cool. It's infl

Got a cuppa? Sitting comfortably? Ready to join us on a journey through Glastonbury legend and mystery, all wrapped up in some beautiful art? OK - let’s do this! Before we start though, those three things in the title might sound like a random list that’s just popped in to my head, but trust me – by the end of this blog, it’ll all make perfect sense ;). A little while ago, I met up with Somerset mosaic artist Kate Rattray. Well actually, I was lucky enough to spend an afterno

It’s here! The time of year when we see these yellow signs pop up all over Somerset and we get a little bit excited ;). Yep… Somerset Art Weeks is ON and we can’t wait to uncover some gems, as over 350 artists take part in this year’s showcase of artistic talent in Somerset. If you’re new to it all, or you’re wondering what Somerset Art Weeks is and what the yellow signs are all about, it’s basically a unique celebration of visual arts in our creative county. It happens every

...that's a great name for a band if you ask us, but no! This is all about the Bees. Fifty beautiful, almost life-sized ones, meticulously hand-crafted by awesome Somerset fibre artist, Lydia Needle. It took Lydia nearly a year to create this intricate collection that's tucked inside various vintage pots and packages… and now, they're all part of her unique exhibition 'FIFTY BEES - The Interconnectedness of All Things', which is currently creating a buzz at ACEarts in Somerto

Each year, SAW (Somerset Art Works) dedicates just over two weeks to showcasing the fantastic art and artists that live and work in our brilliant county. This year, the ‘open studios’ saw artists opening up their work space to anyone who fancied a visit - to see how and where they create and to perhaps make purchase or two! Over 200 studios were open to the public, from 17th September to 2nd October, and there was one space in particular that really excited us. That space was

If you’re ever in Frome, check out the Black Swan Arts Centre. It’s a true gem, tucked away in a beautifully restored huddle of buildings that house a lot of the things we love... in one very cool place! There are two awesome gallery spaces - The Black Swan Arts Main Gallery and the Black Swan Arts Round Tower - showcasing contemporary, accessible and interesting local art. Art you can fall in love with. Art that will challenge you. There’s also a gorgeous gift shop ‘SEED’, a

Fancy a cuppa? That’s one question we never say no to. We’d have been Mrs Doyle’s favourite guests if we’d ever gone to Craggy Island… so when we found tea and art in one place, we knew we were on to a winner! We’re talking about the Sugar Cube Gallery (the tiniest gallery in Somerset, if not England!) and the lovely guys at Teapot Creative who’ve put it all together. Sugar Cube describes itself as “Small. White. Square” and although it’s all of those things, it’s a lot more

It's the weekend! What better time for Four Thoughts - our little interview asking four quick questions of someone we think you'd love to hear from. This week, we've been chatting to Somerset watercolour artist and printmaker Jackie Curtis, following on from our blog about the Sugar Cube Gallery. A selection of Jackie's work is currently being exhibited there and here's what we found out about the lady herself, including a secret that no-one else knows! 1. How did your exhibi