The second annual Guildford Festival of the Arts took over Guildford town centre from 1st–4th October, bringing together an incredible collection of artists, creatives, independent businesses and, most importantly, lots and lots of art lovers. And what a four days it was!
Following the success of last year's inaugural festival, it was fantastic to see Guildford come alive with creativity once again. From exhibitions and artist talks to hands-on workshops and a brilliant stamp trail encouraging visitors to explore the town's creative venues and independent businesses, there was something happening around every corner.
It was particularly lovely to see so many familiar faces returning for another year, alongside people discovering the festival for the very first time and throwing themselves right into it. There was a genuine buzz throughout the town, and it felt impossible to escape it (not that anyone wanted to!)
Artist in Residence at Art & Grind
This year, I was incredibly excited to return to my role of Artist in Residence, based at the wonderful Art & Grind. My studio space was the shop window itself, overlooking Guildford High Street! I spent the four days creating a new, large mixed media painting in full view of the passing public- not something for the faint hearted!
Now, if you've ever seen me paint, you'll know that my process isn't necessarily the neatest or most straightforward affair. I work with a whole mixture of materials, layering oils, acrylics, inks, spray paint, collage and all sorts of other bits and pieces to build up my paintings. Things can get a little chaotic, but that's part of the fun!
Having my studio in the window meant that people could stop, watch, ask questions and get a proper look at how a painting develops. Some people popped in for a quick peek, while others returned again and again over the four days to see what had changed and how the painting was progressing.
I absolutely love being able to share my process in this way. It's one thing to see a finished painting hanging in a gallery, or on social media, but something quite different to watch it come together, understand the decisions behind it and see all those layers building up.
Essentially, it was one giant, four-day painting demonstration for the people of Guildford! And it was such a joy to have so many conversations with people about art, materials, creativity and the slightly unpredictable business of making a painting.
A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by, asked questions, shared their thoughts or simply watched me get increasingly covered in paint. You made the whole experience incredibly special.
A little more local fame than I ever expected!
It's been rather lovely to find myself becoming a familiar face of the Guildford Festival of the Arts.
Last year, I somehow found myself on the front page of the Surrey Advertiser, which was a pretty surreal moment! This year, the media coverage continued, with an interview on Channel 7 where I got to chat about my life as an artist and help spread the word about the upcoming festival.
I've also popped up in local magazines and news celebrating the event, including Round & About and Guildford Dragon News.
It's a real privilege to be involved in something that champions the creative community in Guildford, and I'm incredibly grateful to the festival organisers for continuing to include me in such a big way.
A proud teacher moment!
I also want to shine a light on a rather special achievement from one of my painting students from Surrey Adult Learning!
As part of the festival, there was an open call inviting members of the public to exhibit their work. I'm so pleased to share that one of my students, Sarah Price, who has been attending my acrylic painting course for just over a year, had her work selected for the exhibition and went on to WIN the People's Choice vote!
It's such a lovely reminder of why I enjoy teaching so much- helping people discover what they're capable of, encouraging them to try new things... Sarah, I hope you're feeling every bit as proud of yourself as I am of you!
Moths, paint and a little bit of wine!
As if painting in a shop window for four days wasn't enough, I also squeezed in a special Paint & Sip workshop at SoulSpace, Guildford. For this one, we created colourful moth paintings, and it was brilliant to see everyone interpret the subject in their own way.
Already counting down to next year!
One of the best things about the Guildford Festival of the Arts is seeing just how much creativity exists within our town. I'm already looking forward to being involved again in 2027. Until then, I'll be back in my studio, probably making a mess, experimenting with materials and creating something new.
