Art Market ME14

About

Experience everything the vibrant contemporary art scene has to offer on Saturday 19th September at the ART MARKET in Maidstone’s historic Lockmeadow Market Hall.

The ART MARKET features 80 stalls of work by nationally and internationally exhibiting artists from across Kent and the South East, showcasing some of the best contemporary art available. Exhibitors include Emily Tull, Hannah Adamaszek, Rennie Pigrem, Leuan Edwards and a whole host of others! Emily was a national finalist in the Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year competition, whilst Hannah pushes the boundaries and gives a fresh lease of life to street art. Rennie is best known for his award-winning music performed around the world and uses photographs from his travels as a starting point for his work. Leuan is a Broadstairs based print maker who produces stunning artworks for album covers and books.

The ART MARKET has partnered with Lili Westlake, the creative mind behind Arty Farty Open Mic and Art Nights, to plan an eclectic programme of singers, poets, dancers and performers throughout the day. One of the highlights is a performance by the talented Bill Lewis, best known for being a member of the legendary Medway Poets Group alongside Billy Childish, Sexton Ming, Charles Thomson and Rob Earl.

We’re also running a charity art auction with proceeds going to two selected charities – Maidstone and Mid Kent MIND and The Foundling Museum. We’ve received generous donations towards this event from artists including Ralph Steadman, Billy Childish, Gavin Turk, Stuart Semple (ambassador of Mind), Tessa Farmer, Nick Veasey, Sadie Hennessey, and celebrity double Olympic gold winner Dame Kelly Holmes, plus many more. Go to artmarketme14.wordpress.com to view donations and to place secret bids in advance of the final auction at the MARKET on Saturday afternoon hosted by Raj Bisram of Channel 4’s Four Rooms.

We have commissioned local artist Susie Dafforn to create a design for a limited edition print inspired by the Fremlin elephant. The work cleverly combines references to Maidstone’s brewing history and traditional Nepalese elephant decoration. Suzie’s design will be unveiled on the day and visitors will be able to use it to print their own piece of work. There will also be the opportunity to win a limited edition print by entering a free prize draw as you arrive at the ART MARKET.

The ART MARKET takes place at Market Hall, Lockmeadow, Baker Road, Maidstone, ME16 8LW, Saturday 19th September, 9:00am to 4:00pm, free entry

The closing auction takes place at the MARKET at 3:00pm to 4:00pm on the 19thSeptember.

This event has been part sponsored by Gilbert & Clarke Frame and Print, Maidstone and The Fountain Workshop, Chatham.