Current News

In the rural area around Cranbrook, Hawkhurst and Northiam, SEOS networking has improved in a very encouraging way in the last year. Firm friendships have been formed and small groups have got together and organised artist led exhibitions.

Etcher and Painter, Vincent Matthews has recently moved house and found his Open Studio experience in Northiam very different from being part of the large group of Seal Chart Etchers. He felt that before joining SEOS again for 2012, it would be a great idea to raise the profile of Art in the village by organising a Christmas Exhibition.

In co-operation with other SEOS Northiam artists, a group, under the banner of ‘Artists of the Rother Valley’ was formed. The venue, arranged by Terry Ayling, was the function room at the newly refurbished Muddy Duck pub in the centre of the village.

Five thousand leaflets were printed and local advertising booked. The Art Show took place on the last weekend of November with over 300 visitors who remarked on the quality of work being exhibited. Takings at the pub substantially improved, everyone was pleased with the result.

The group who wouldn’t exist if they hadn’t met through SEOS are hoping to do a repeat Exhibition next year.

Northiam artists are planning to consult each other about their opening dates and times before signing up, for the 2012 event,  so that they can produce their own local Trail Map which will maximize their chances of attracting as many visitors as possible.