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

Sam with ‘Nature’s Jewel’, created live on Guildford High Street during her reisdency at Art & Grind in 2024.

From 25th - 28th September, I’ll be taking part in the very first Guildford Festival of the Arts. The festival will see venues all across Guildford hosting a vibrant programme of talks, workshops, and exhibitions, all designed to celebrate and inspire creativity in our town.

As part of the festival, I’ll be returning to Art & Grind as their Artist in Residence for four days. Some of you may remember that last year I created my large bee painting over a week in the café window. This year, I’ll once again be working live in full view of the High Street, creating a painting in the window from Thursday to Sunday, 2–5pm daily.

Sam painting in the window of Art & Grind

It’s always a unique experience to create artwork in such a public space: people can stop, watch the process unfold brushstroke by brushstroke, and even come in to say hello. Whether you’d like to chat about art, ask questions about my work, or simply enjoy the atmosphere with a coffee, you’re warmly invited to drop by.

The Guildford Festival of the Arts promises to be an exciting new tradition for the town, and I’m delighted to play a part in its launch. I hope to see lots of you there- either through the glass or in person at one of the festival events! You can learn more about the programme of events here.

Sam’s work on display in Art & Grind in 2024