What we’re about
This is a group for people who want to explore the Bath & Bristol art scene and discover new artists and galleries. We welcome everyone, from artists, gallerists and collectors, to anyone interested in furthering your knowledge of the visual arts, whatever your profession or existing knowledge.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Acrylic Painting Evening at North Street GalleryThe Spotted Cow, Bristol
Would you like to try your hand at acrylic painting? In a first for this group, we're going to be spending an evening making artworks using this versatile, quick-drying medium, used often by painters from David Hockney to Robert Motherwell, Bridget Riley and Andy Warhol.
The two hour evening session will be held at North Street Gallery in Bedminster, with attendees provided with everything they need, including paints, brushes, scrapers, stencils, and paint pads, to produce their own A2 creation in whatever style they wish. There will be some guidance in the use of equipment, and to talk through what you're making, but it is mostly a journey of creative discovery for you.
There are only 10 places available for this session, at a cost of £20 per person to cover the cost of materials and the space. The session has been organised with regular Contemporary Art Bath & Bristol attendee, David Rigden, and will be a really enjoyable evening.
RSVP is on a first come first serve basis. Please also pay the £20 to guarantee your spot once you have RSVP'd. Anyone registered but unpaid may be struck off the list in the lead up to ensure all spaces are filled, and anyone on the waiting list may be offered a place if suddenly available.
Event details:
6:30pm: We'll meet at The Spotted Cow, nearby to the gallery. Please aim for that time to ensure you've arrived before 7pm.6:50pm: We'll head into North Street Gallery and get ready to begin promptly at 7pm.
7pm to 9pm: The painting will take place.
9pm: We'll head back to The Spotted Cow to sit down and have a chat about the evening over a drink.
Before the event:
You'll receive a MeetUp message ahead of the event letting you know on any updates to the event, so make sure you check this before coming along.What to bring:
A sketch book if you'd like to make any preliminary sketches. Please also ensure you wear clothing that you don't mind getting dirty.What will be provided?:
All materials for painting, easels, brushes, and paper. There will be inspiration in the form of images around the room to work off, but if you have something in mind you'd like to try please bring it as reference.Etiquette:
If you can't make it, just send a message to let me know and take your name off the RSVP list. It's essential that for this event anyone not able to make it remove themselves. Refunds will be provided up to 12 hours before the event starts given the attendee limit.Cost:
The cost of this event is £20. This should ideally be paid in advance via the link which you can find here, to the co-organiser, David Rigden. If you would prefer to pay in cash, please message myself.Health & Safety:
If you are feeling unwell, please do not attend the event (just send me a message).See you there!
Dom
(If you need to contact me if you're going to be late or can't find us, please use the MeetUps messenger app or message me on 07889789965). - Grey Unpleasant Land at Spike IslandThe Orchard Inn, Bristol
Just before we hit Christmas, it feels like a nice last opportunity to get a Contemporary Art Bath & Bristol event scheduled in. And where better than at our regular haunt, Spike Island, which is currently showing a magnificent exhibition of work by Sophia Al-Maria and Lydia Ourahmane.
'Grey Unpleasant Land' examines the myth of England as a nation. Combining a range of media—including historical artefacts, speculative narratives, petitions to patrons and a deed of gift—Al-Maria and Ourahmane provide a unique lens through which to investigate the complex and often troubling nature of England’s cultural and historical landscape.
Please do RSVP and I can't wait to see you there!
*Please note: It now costs £300 a year for organisers like me to run MeetUp groups, so while this group is free to attend, please consider giving a donation to support the group's running if you enjoy these events/enjoyed this event. Thank you, Dominic
Support the group hereAbout the exhibition:
Produced over the course of two years, the exhibition addresses the elephant in the room. As immigrants to the UK, Al-Maria and Ourahmane delve into the “grey areas” of England’s narrative, critically re-examining the stories that have been told—and continue to be told—about origins and belonging.Together through this ambitious exhibition, Al-Maria and Ourahmane address England’s cultural narratives and social frameworks, inviting audiences to consider the malleability of national identity and the ongoing debates surrounding Britain’s legacy as a nation.
Event details:
12pm: We'll meet at The Orchard Inn, nearby to Spike Island. Please arrive at any point over the hour.1pm: We'll head into the gallery and congregate in the reception/lobby area before heading around the exhibition and space. Spike Island usually deliver a talk for us as a group, so I'll push for this as always.
2:30pm: We'll gather at the entrance and head back to The Orchard Inn to sit down and have a chat about the exhibition.
Before the event:
You'll receive a MeetUps message ahead of the event letting you know on any updates to the event, so make sure you check this before coming along.What to bring:
A notebook if you want to write down your thoughts.Preparation:
Extra marks for anyone who does some research on the exhibition.Etiquette:
As always, if you can't make it just send a message to let me know and take your name off the RSVP list.Cost:
The meetup is free to attend, and the exhibition is free too, but please do consider supporting the running costs of this group, which are over £300 a year, by donating on the PayPal link here:
Support the group hereHealth & Safety:
If you are feeling unwell, please do not attend the event (just send me a message if you could).See you there!
Dom(If you need to contact me if you're going to be late or can't find us, please use the MeetUps messenger app or message me on 07889789965).
