Unveiling my new painting: The Persistence of Hope
Sam B. Kennedy Sam B. Kennedy

Unveiling my new painting: The Persistence of Hope

What does it mean to bear witness in a world shaped by conflict? ‘The Persistence of Hope’ is my latest self-portrait that reflects on justice, remembrance, and the feeling of helplessness that can accompany the daily cycle of troubling headlines.

Through bold colour and symbolic imagery, the painting explores how hope can endure, persist, and even flourish amidst uncertainty.

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Fringe Arts Bath Festival 2026: A Success
Sam B. Kennedy Sam B. Kennedy

Fringe Arts Bath Festival 2026: A Success

With three paintings on display at Fringe Arts Bath 2026, I've loved being part of a festival that has filled Bath with creativity, conversation, and contemporary art.

Here's a look back at some of my favourite moments before the exhibitions close.

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Three Paintings Selected for Fringe Arts Bath 2026
Sam B. Kennedy Sam B. Kennedy

Three Paintings Selected for Fringe Arts Bath 2026

Three of my paintings have been selected for Fringe Arts Bath 2026 as part of The 2020s: Sacred Brands and Disposable Gods, Presented with Limited Ad Interruptions, curated by Roxanne Darby.

Featuring seagulls, puffins, melting ice creams, and suspicious amounts of tinned fish, the exhibition reimagines contemporary artworks as historical artefacts from the distant future.

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‘Mulberry Dreams’ Receives Highly Commended recognition at the RBSA Portrait Prize 2026
Sam B. Kennedy Sam B. Kennedy

‘Mulberry Dreams’ Receives Highly Commended recognition at the RBSA Portrait Prize 2026

Mulberry Dreams received a Highly Commended award at the 2026 RBSA Portrait Prize exhibition at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists.

Selected from over 800 entries, the exhibition celebrates contemporary portraiture from artists across the UK and beyond. As someone who has only recently begun sharing portrait work publicly, this recognition feels especially meaningful and marks an encouraging moment within the development of my practice.

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An introduction to my work and studio
Sam B. Kennedy Sam B. Kennedy

An introduction to my work and studio

I’ve recently put together a video as a way of opening my studio door and inviting you in.

This short film is part studio tour, part conversation. It offers a glimpse into where I work and the intentions I’m putting into my pieces.

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Guildford Paint & Sip evening
Sam B. Kennedy Sam B. Kennedy

Guildford Paint & Sip evening

There’s something quietly magical about an evening where paint, laughter, and a good drink all share the same table. This week, I’m inviting you to step into exactly that kind of atmosphere.
Read all about my upcoming Sip & Paint evening, including what to expect and what to bring.

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What’s On in Guildford: Creative Events & Classes Coming Up
Sam B. Kennedy Sam B. Kennedy

What’s On in Guildford: Creative Events & Classes Coming Up

Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time, building a regular creative habit, or simply soaking up Guildford’s vibrant arts scene, there’s something here for everyone.

Here’s a round-up of the events and classes I’m running locally, alongside other wonderful creative happenings in the area that are well worth marking in your diary.

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Board Games & Brushstrokes
Sam B. Kennedy Sam B. Kennedy

Board Games & Brushstrokes

I’ve spent years playing, collecting, and arguing over board games. Eventually this enthusiasm spilled over into my sketchbook, then onto canvas, and now onto the walls of Unplug + Play, Guildford’s board game cafe.

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‘Oil in Emotion’ Private View: A celebration of creativity and community
Sam B. Kennedy Sam B. Kennedy

‘Oil in Emotion’ Private View: A celebration of creativity and community

Friday night marked the Private View for ‘Oil in Emotion’, an exhibition featuring the work of my wonderful oil painting class, AKA the Sydenham Road Artists.

The event was attended by friends, family, and art lovers, uniting to celebrate and support each of the artists. The atmosphere was one of genuine admiration and connection, a reflection of the community spirit which defines this group.

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Looking Back at Guildford Festival of the Arts
Sam B. Kennedy Sam B. Kennedy

Looking Back at Guildford Festival of the Arts

For the festival, I chose to work on a new piece I’ve been working on: a hybrid animal/ human portrait exploring the theme of anger.

Taking a painting through its awkward “messy middle” stage is not usually something I’d choose to do in full view of Guildford High Street, but that’s what made the experience such a fun challenge!

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Sam B. Kennedy to join local Artists for Guildford Festival of the Arts
Sam B. Kennedy Sam B. Kennedy

Sam B. Kennedy to join local Artists for Guildford Festival of the Arts

From 25–28 September, I’ll be taking part in the first Guildford Festival of the Arts, a town-wide celebration of creativity with talks, workshops, and exhibitions.

I’ll be back at Art & Grind as Artist in Residence, creating a new painting live in the café window each day from 2–5pm.

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‘Urban Instincts’ solo show a resounding success
Sam B. Kennedy Sam B. Kennedy

‘Urban Instincts’ solo show a resounding success

I’m still pinching myself after the incredible experience of my first solo exhibition at New House Art Space, Guildford.

Opening night and the weeks that followed have been nothing short of surreal and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to share my work with the world.

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Urban Instincts, my first solo exhibition
Sam B. Kennedy Sam B. Kennedy

Urban Instincts, my first solo exhibition

My very first solo gallery exhibition, Urban Instincts, is opening this September at New House Art Space

in Guildford. This is a huge milestone for me as an artist — bringing together four years of work in one space for the very first time.

Read on for information about the exhibition, and to reserve free tickets for the Private View

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Sam B. Kennedy a finalist for SAA Artists of the Year 2025
Sam B. Kennedy Sam B. Kennedy

Sam B. Kennedy a finalist for SAA Artists of the Year 2025

I’m absolutely thrilled to share that my painting ‘Cooking with Gas’ has been selected as a finalist for the SAA Artists of the Year 2025 award. Additionally, it’s in the running for the People’s Choice Award and may be featured in the SAA’s finalists exhibition later this year.

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