Meet the Artists: Penny Simpson & Sandy Williams!
Join us at the Forest Arts Centre for an exclusive Artist Meet & Greet with the incredibly talented Penny Simpson and Sandy Williams!
 
Date: Monday 13 January 2025 6:30-8pm
Location: Forest Arts Centre, New Milton
 
Explore the artists works whilst sipping on a drink or two from our cafe/bar. Gain insight into their creative processes, and enjoy an inspiring evening filled with art and conversation. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or simply curious, this is an event not to be missed!
This event is free!

Forest Arts Centre

Penny Simpson: Kitsch n’ Synch

11 January – 19 February 2025

Going Green, mixed media.

mixed media art work by penny simpson  

Conspicuous Consumption, mixed media.

Flying colours

A bit about the artist: 

Drawing and painting all my life, I see some things and work out how to represent them in paint, collage or boxed assemblages. 

My interest in bright colours, patterns and reusing ‘unconsidered trifles’ from beachcombing, pavement picking, toys from crackers, buttons, beads and bits has resulted in an eclectic array of artworks using a wide range of materials. Life boxes for significant others have proved particularly potent.

A parallel thread uses strongly coloured paint to render landscapes and pleasing plants in watercolour.

 

Sandy Williams: Journeys on Canvas

11 January – 19 February 2025

 

sandy williams headshot

 

‘My exhibition ‘Journeys on Canvas’ shows a number of stages in my 25-year journey as an artist.  You can see my evolution reflected in the style and character of the pieces and you will also see my ongoing identity and my stylistic changes, as an artist. Colour and energy and the feelings I associate with them are key drivers behind the development of each painting.  My process reflects the intellectual and emotional discussion I engage in on the canvas and as a result my images often go through a significant metamorphosis during their creation’. 

 

Sandy

Hunter, oil on canvas

hunter by sandy williams

Renewal, oil on Canvas

renewal by sandy williams

Metamorphosis, oil on canvas.

metamorphosis oil on canvas

A bit about the artist: 

Sandy Williams is a Hampshire based artist working from her Lymington Studio. Her new exhibition ‘Journeys on Canvas’ displays a selection of her work over time.

 

 

Coming Up... 

Inspired-New Forest Marque:  22 February - 2 April 2025 

A varied collection of art and craft from members of the New Forest Marque Inspired. Each maker is inspired by the New Forest area in their own way, resulting in a variety of colourful and exciting responses to this unique landscape. From painting to ceramics and jewelry to printmaking, come and experience this special collection of local artisans work.

Coming Up...

Rachael Lee: 5 April - 28 May 2025

Through the Portrait: Stories Beneath the Surface 

In this exhibition, Rachael revisits and reclaims the narratives of her life through the evocative use of painted and sewn surfaces. She reflects on a childhood shaped by both love and neglect, unraveling the intricate complexities of familial relationships.

Through these expressive works, Rachael intertwines the emotions of her past with her identity as an LGBTQ+ artist living with a disability. The result is a deeply personal and heartfelt exploration of resilience and connection.

About the artist:

Rachel Lee

Rachael Lee is an accomplished artist and educator with a rich background in fine art. She has participated in artist residencies and exhibited her work both in the UK and internationally, gaining valuable experience and insights from diverse cultural contexts. Her creative journey has allowed her to collaborate with artists worldwide, shaping her unique style and artistic perspective.

Rachael deeply believes that sharing the process of making art and engaging in creativity is a wonderful way to connect with others. This philosophy is central to her work as both an artist and facilitator. Her dedication to the therapeutic potential of art is evident through her work with individuals from various backgrounds, including offenders, adults, and young people with additional educational needs. This experience has profoundly influenced her compassionate teaching approach, where fostering meaningful connections and prioritising the well-being of her students are always at the heart of her practice.

 

 

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