Frome artists to showcase work in Somerset Art Weeks

Frome artists will be taking part in this year’s Somerset Art Weeks (SAW) Open Studios from 13th to 28th September. 

Amanda Bee, Andrea V Wright and artists who are part of Artists in Dialogue, are taking part in the event, which will see over 150 venues showcase artists and makers across the county.

Amanda Bee is a land and seascape artist based in Frome, inspired by the local area of Somerset and Wiltshire and the Cornish coastline. During Somerset Art Weeks Open Studios, she will be showing a collection of local and Cornish paintings alongside limited edition prints, handmade, unique cards and printed cards.

Organisers say, “Colour is integral to her paintings, which are semi-abstract representations of the places she loves. The paintings hold memories from repeat visits.

“They are deeply personal but made to connect with a wider audience. Full of colour, mark-making and texture, her mixed media paintings are beautiful, unique interpretations of special places.”

Artists in Dialogue will showcase ODYSSEY / ОДІССЕЯ, artwork reflecting the ongoing, sometimes difficult journey that challenges each of the twelve project artists – five local to Frome and seven Ukrainian artists displaced across Europe or within their homeland.

Organisers say, “They came together in the summer of 2022 as Ukrainian artists’ lives were changed beyond measure. Recent work offers hope and the determination to live life wherever that might be. Their original artwork and limited-edition fine art prints will be exhibited.

“The project’s exhibitions highlight the shared desire to keep the illegal Russian / Ukrainian war at the forefront of the public’s consciousness in an ever-unstable world, as each new conflict takes the headlines.

“The language of art is their key tool of communication; it is stateless, without boundaries and provides secure foundations for this ambitious project.

Alongside ODYSSEY / ОДІССЕЯ, local project artists Barry Cooper, Karin Campagna, Tonia Gunstone, Lorna Thomas and Pam Warner will each exhibit a selection of artwork from their own studios – collage, mixed media and paintings.

All five project artists will be at the Station Gallery on Tuesday 23rd September, join them for their Meet the Artists finale event from 2pm to 3.30pm.