Tag Archives: ART

Yeovil Art Weekender 2026 – Open Call

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Yeovil Art Weekender is brand new arts and culture festival for Yeovil, taking place right here in our town centre!

Friday 27 – Sunday 29 March 2026,

Produced by Yeovil Art Space we have put the festival together with our member artists, the Yeovil Creatives, a group of Yeovil artists who are sharing their creativity with the community and we are inviting you to get involved!

In this three day event, you will see cultural events, art exhibitions, performances and creative workshops co-created with communities, artists and partners across the town. We aim to fill Yeovil with art and culture, celebrating creativity with all. 

We are now calling for Yeovil’s community, local businesses, community groups, artists and creatives to join us for Yeovil Art Weekender.

Would you like to put on an event, a pop-up display, a workshop, or exhibition during the event?

Let us know! We welcome everybody to be part of this event. Share your idea fill in the following form or contact us directly. The Yeovil Art Weekender celebrates Yeovil’s community and seeks to represent us all, we are open to ideas and would love to here from you…

Click to view Information Document

How can you take part?

  1. Share your idea with us via the Festival Entry Form
  2. Chat with a member of the team
  3. Get your idea ready
  4. Promote your idea
  5. Launch your idea during the Yeovil Art Weekender

What do you get from taking part in Yeovil Art Weekender?

  • Be part of an exciting brand new arts and culture festival!
  • No fee to take part in Yeovil Art Weekender
  • Signposting throughout the weekend
  • Be part of our printed programme
  • Promotion on Yeovil Art Space website and social media
  • Promotion in local and regional press
  • Support from Yeovil Art Weekender team
  • Cross partner promotion
  • Discover new audiences
Click here to share your idea!

OUR TOWN Artist Residencies

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Yeovil Art Space is thrilled to announce two artist residencies with schools and young people right here in Yeovil. Part of the Our Town Project artists ‘Brendan Barry’ and ‘Juneau Projects’ will be engaging Yeovil’s community through creative play, exploring artistic techniques.

Brendan Barry is a photographer, educator and camera builder whose creative photographic practice combines elements of construction, education, performance and participation. 

Fascinated by the mechanics of vision and the processes of analogue photography, his work is concerned with the transformation of different objects and environments into spaces capable of viewing and making a photographic image. 

The process and materiality of photography is central to this practice as both a personal experience and the means by which he engages others in forms of collaboration and exploration. These include the action of light through a lens, the heightened awareness of the world brought about by being inside a camera obscura and the magical moment of transformation when the image is registered on photo-sensitive paper. 

Brendan is founder & director of Positive Light Projects, a not for profit organisation using the visual arts to engage and inspire a diverse range of audiences and communities. The organisation also aids emerging artists to develop their practice forward in exciting and innovative ways.

Brendan shares: “During this short residency I will be transforming Yeovil Art Space into a working analogue darkroom, photographic studio and camera obscura. A camera obscura is a darkened box or room with a small hole or lens that projects an inverted image of the outside scene onto an interior surface. I’m looking forward to running a series of workshops with local creative young people, engaging them with the magic of optical representation and introducing them to a range of traditional analogue processes and techniques.” 

Juneau Projects

Juneau Projects was formed in 2001 by Philip Duckworth and Ben Sadler. Their work is made in collaboration with other people, ranging from one-off workshops that introduce people to a skill or technique to long term projects working with communities to create artworks for their area. They work across a broad range of media including sculpture, animation, print making, Riso printing, performance, music and public art. 

Juneau Projects share ‘We are interested in the urge people have to be creative, how that has manifested throughout history and how we can work with groups to create work together. We’re really looking forward to working with Yeovil Art Space and getting to know the community in Yeovil. We love the process of working with people to make projects that reflect the creativity of the local area!’ 

Juneau Projects have exhibited at venues including Tate Britain (London), PS1 (USA), Frankfurter Kunstverein (Frankfurt), Grizedale Arts (Cumbria), IKON (Birmingham), Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale (Japan), Tatton Park Biennial (UK), Somerset House – King’s Cultural Institute/Up Projects (London), Lismore Castle Arts (Ireland) & Two Chairs, Vermont (USA).

Yeovil Art Space’s project ‘Our Town’ is a creative placemaking project funded by Arts Council England, offering a programme of art and cultural events for Yeovil Town Centre from now until March 2026.

Drawing, Painting, Printmaking Club

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NEW! Saturday morning art sessions at Yeovil Art Space

Starting Saturday 15 November! – We are delighted to introduce these new sessions with a focus on sharing a creative space and skills around Drawing, Painting and Printmaking.

We invite you to bring your projects along, exchange knowledge and share your ideas, or simply try and experiment with new skills and techniques to develop your practice in a new direction.

Meet other creatives, enjoy working on your creative projects hosted in our lovely workshop space. Carve out time for your art, particularly over the darker months of the year.

Sessions are held by experienced artists and are suitable for intermediate to professional artists.

  • 10am-12noon
  • £100 / 6 Sessions (Block booking deal!)
  • Every other week, with a break over the holidays and new year
  • Venue: Yeovil Art Space Unit 13-15, Quedam Centre, BA20 1EU (Ground Floor)
  • For Creatives age 18 and Up
  • Limited places available, on a first come first served basis.

Tea, coffee and biscuits provided along with the use of our in-house equipment, tools and facilities.

Session Dates:

  • 15 November
  • 29 November
  • 13 December
  • 10 January
  • 24 January
  • 7 February
Register your interest here!

Denim Reworking Workshop for ages 14-17

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Book your young creatives onto this fantastic short course during the October Half Term.

Led by artist and designer Lupe Velazquez the group will look at the process of design, from initial plans and ideas to the assembly of the final product. Using denim clothing as the foundation and adding your own style to create a unique fashion piece!

Sessions will include making a silkscreen patch for your product, leather work and the tools used, along with ways of embellishing your product, embroidery and the final assembly!

  • Monday 27 – Thursday 30 October
  • 1 – 3pm
  • £100 / 4 Sessions
  • Venue Yeovil Art Space Unit 13-15, Quedam Centre, BA20 1EU
  • For young creatives aged 14-17

Register your interest here!

Open Call: OUR TOWN Artist commission

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Yeovil Art Space (YAS) invites creative practitioners/artists (individuals or groups) to submit an Expression of Interest to work with our Art Action Group (AAG) and our team members to create new public artwork. The work should engage with Yeovil’s communities and be located in or focused on the town centre. This commission forms part of OUR TOWN, a year-long creative placemaking project supported by Somerset Council and Yeovil Town Council, funded by Arts Council England, aiming to shape the future cultural landscape of Yeovil Town Centre. 

We are seeking Expressions of Interest from creative practitioners/artists (individuals or groups) who wish to work with us to create new artwork exploring the following themes which has identified by the Art Action Group.

Connectivity & Movement – exploring how people navigate, inhabit, and interact with Yeovil Town Centre, including those from a diverse range of abilities, ages and backgrounds.

Hidden Voices & Stories – uncovering lesser-known narratives and lived experiences from the past to the present and re-imagining the future, including those living here for generations, newcomers and those connected with it.

Greening & Environment – addressing sustainability, nature, and ecological interventions in public space, including connecting wider geographical areas and resources.

Celebration & Activation – considering ways to animate and transform the town centre through creative interventions, including redefining the function and character of public spaces

The commissioned practitioner(s) will be responsible for developing ideas, methodologies, and approaches that engage with Yeovil’s community and lead to a tangible outcome. We expect the commissioned practitioners(s) to spend time engaging with Yeovil’s community or a specific community group in Yeovil. We will encourage the commission to utilise the development opportunities that link with the town centre regeneration, and the established connection with community and existing resources from Yeovil Art Space. This outcome can take various forms, in different public spaces, such as empty shops and community spaces, including but not limited to:

  • A material artwork (e.g., installation, sculpture, or mural) 
  • An immersive experience (e.g., projection mapping, sound-based work, music based project, digital intervention) 
  • A participatory event (e.g., performance, procession, or interactive experience) 

We are eager to work with practitioners(s) who are experienced in co-creation, taking an action-research approach to this commission and hope the resulting artwork will inform a future larger public realm art project, with findings contributing to future funding applications and the long-term artistic strategy for Yeovil Town Centre. The commissioned practitioner(s) will be expected to take part in an evaluation process and work with the Art Action Group on measurable outcomes.

Commission budget: £10,000 (including artist fee and production budget)
Submission Details: Please download the full brief HERE.
Submission Deadline: Friday 23rd May, 5pm


Exhibition: Our Time on Earth by Andy Rollo

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30 April – 7 June / Exhibition Opening Event: Thursday 1 May 5-7pm

Celebrating the arrival of spring after a long winter, Yeovil Art Space is delighted to present a solo exhibition of new work by dorset-based artist Andy Rollo.  

‘Our Time on Earth’ features a collection of paintings and an installation of a large-scale drawing as well as mixed media collages, photographs and animation which the artist has worked on in collaboration with his family members. The exhibition aims to show that there is soul and beauty everywhere you look and to encourage you to stop and look harder.

Over the last four years, artist Andy Rollo has immersed himself in the landscape and woodland of Dorset near his home. He has created a new body of work on what he considered to be unassuming, almost incidental subjects; the complexity of moss clad trees, the quality of light falling on the woodland floor and abstract shapes and forms. 

The paintings on show juxtapose dabs and dashes, palette knife marks, washes and impasto together with a mix of oils, acrylic and spray paint. They depict the striking landscape of the local area which has become a place of sanctuary in recent years for the artist. 

‘You see how the transformational quality of light has enabled areas of woodland to take on an almost cathedral-like quality, awe inspiring and magnificent with their juxtaposition of grandeur and the spiritual. They are intentionally uncomposed, in an attempt to give the spectator the feeling of an incidental view, echoing the way you observe nature when surrounded by it. 

It symbolises strength and protection, steadfastness and long life. The tree withstands whatever nature throws at it, and we have had to do the same, whilst continually being reminded of our own mortality and the passing of time.’

About the artist

Andy Rollo is an artist and Lecturer in Fine Art and Visual Culture who has lived in North Dorset for the past 15 years. He has work in private collections in Europe, Australia and the United States and has had his work exhibited in London, Paris and Barcelona over a thirty-year career. His creative practice has always been in response to his immediate surroundings and explores the concept of time, memory, cycles, connections and patterns in nature. The work also explores the thin line between abstraction and figuration, most obviously observed on the surface of each painting with its juxtaposition of differing mediums, descriptive marks and intuitive gestures.  https://www.andyrollo.com

Artist appointed to Create Artwork for Glovers Walk Hoardings

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Further to our recent partnership with Love Yeovil supported by Somerset Council to gain important viewpoints from the Yeovil community on the meanwhile use of Glovers Walk, we will also be managing an artist commission to transform the hoardings that now surround the site.  

We are thrilled to announce that LOW PROFILE, a renowned creative duo based in Plymouth, will design and produce the artwork for the hoardings in Lower Middle Street.

LOW PROFILE is a collaboration between artists Rachel Dobbs and Hannah Rose, who have been working together since 2003. They are renowned for their innovative approach to create engaging and thought-provoking artworks that foster human connections and community engagement.

Putting the community’s voice at the heart of the redevelopment, we will work closely with LOW PROFILE to respond to the call out we have had from you for more culture and creativity in the town centre.

Findings from the survey and consultation work that we carried out with Love Yeovil in late 2024 gained important viewpoints from the public on the meanwhile use of Glovers Walk which will inform the public art commission.

LOW PROFILE will create artwork to cover the area with bold and inspiring artwork, reflecting the aspiration of those involved in the consultation and encouraging imagination of future use of the area. The artwork created will be on display while the demolition works continue until summer 2025.

We know that by commissioning LOW PROFILE we can make this an interesting and exciting focal point for both locals and visitors. The artwork will serve as a testament to the community’s creativity and vision for the future.

Yeovil Art Space and LOW PROFILE will champion sustainability throughout the project and anticipate any artwork created could be used again in the town after the hoarding comes down.

(Published Janurary 2025)

More about Glovers Walk development

[SAT 28 MAY, 2-4pm] Mosaic Mirror Workshop with Dawn Handy

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£25 per person, adult only

Create a one-of-a-kind, small mosaic mirror, hand-shaping tesserae from a plethora of exciting recycled materials. Learn how to design and create a mosaic mirror, and how to grout and seal your work, with expert tuition.

Booking is essential. We have limited spaces so we are operating on a first come first served basis.

– Click BOOK NOW button below to book online.
– EMAIL us on info@yeovilartspace.uk
– VISIT us at Yeovil Art Space during opening hours (Wed – Friday 10am to 4pm, Sat 10am – 5pm)
BOOK NOW

Part of a new Creative Workshops Programme (APRIL -JUNE 2022) in Yeovil Art Space and in our nearby edible garden between April and June. Ranging from photography, mosaic, silver sculpture, crochet, art journaling, creative gardening and collage, perfect opportunity to learn something new and enjoy being creative with us!
CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL PROGRAMME

[Terms and Conditions]

  • Please check age limit for each workshop.
  • ‘Make it together’ for some workshops, an offer for a group of 2 family or friends to make one item together.
  • Most of the workshop takes place on the 1st floor. If you require wheelchair access or have difficulties climbing stairs, please let us know so we can make arrangements.

[Cancellation policy]

  • 100% refund for cancellation before 30 days prior to the event.
  • 50% refund for cancellation before 14 days prior to the event.
  • Non-refundable for cancellation within 7 days prior to the event.
  • Transfer to another workshop is possible if you cancel 7 days before the workshop date.
  • Full refund if YAS cancels the workshop due to insufficient sign up.

[THUR 30 June, 6-8pm] Beginner Crochet Course (Session 3) with Steph Baker

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THUR 28 April / 26 May / 30 June, 6-8pm.

£25 per person per session, adults only
We encourage you to book the 3 sessions for £75

The beginners’ crochet course will run over three 2 hour sessions. All equipment and materials will be provided, together with detailed handouts for each session, including several patterns.  Extension activities and handouts will be proposed for participants with some knowledge of the basics to build skills further.

Session 1: Thursday 28 April – Holding hook and yarn, slip knot, and basic stitches to include chain stitch, double crochet, half treble, and treble.  Extension activity – combining basic stitches to form a pattern.

Session 2: Thursday 26 May  – Crocheting in rounds and spirals, tension. Patterns include traditional and solid granny squares and a        coaster.  Extension activity – pattern and diagram reading with additional patterns for a flower granny square and lace coaster.

Session 3: Thursday 30 June – Increasing and decreasing with patterns for triangular bunting and a mini jumper.  Extension activity –   rabbit bunting and edging patterns.

Practise between sessions will be expected to ensure progression between sessions.  Phone and email support will also be available between sessions. 

After your booking, please give to the tutor an indication of level of knowledge and experience to allow for personalisation if necessary. Steph at craftingbysteph@gmail.com

Booking essential. We have limited spaces so we are operating on a first come first served basis.

– Click BOOK NOW button below to book online.
– EMAIL us on info@yeovilartspace.uk
– VISIT us at Yeovil Art Space during opening hours (Wed – Friday 10am to 4pm, Sat 10am – 5pm)
BOOK NOW

Part of a new Creative Workshops Programme (APRIL -JUNE 2022) in Yeovil Art Space and in our nearby edible garden between April and June. Ranging from photography, mosaic, silver sculpture, crochet, art journaling, creative gardening and collage, perfect opportunity to learn something new and enjoy being creative with us!
CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL PROGRAMME

[Terms and Conditions]

  • Please check age limit for each workshop.
  • ‘Make it together’ for some workshops, an offer for a group of 2 family or friends to make one item together.
  • Most of the workshop takes place on the 1st floor. If you require wheelchair access or have difficulties climbing stairs, please let us know so we can make arrangements.

[Cancellation policy]

  • 100% refund for cancellation before 30 days prior to the event.
  • 50% refund for cancellation before 14 days prior to the event.
  • Non-refundable for cancellation within 7 days prior to the event.
  • Transfer to another workshop is possible if you cancel 7 days before the workshop date.
  • Full refund if YAS cancels the workshop due to insufficient sign up.

[SUN 19 June, 1-3pm] Growing Together! Family friendly creative gardening workshop with Lara from Skool Beanz

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£25 each workshop, for 1 adult OR a family with 1 adult and 1 child under 16 of age

Join Lara for creative gardening sessions outside in the Yeovil Art Space edible garden, near the Quedam escalators.

Saturday 23 April – Upcycling old furniture and containers into planters combined with sowing windowsill cut and come salad. 

Saturday 21 May –  Grow a Pizza Garden, planting basil, tomatoes, peppers, onions, oregano and parsley in a trough to take home and decorate a wooden spoon for a label.

Sunday 19 June –  Pot & tin can vase decorating and planting combined with cut flower arranging.

About Lara and Skool Beanz

Lara had a diploma in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture at Coventry University. Since 2019, she runs Skool Beanz, a gardening club for primary school children, teaching them all about growing food and flowers and how to garden to help nature. Lara contributed her skills in the creation of our community garden.

Booking essential. We have limited spaces so we are operating on a first come first served basis.

– Click BOOK NOW button below to book online.
– EMAIL us on info@yeovilartspace.uk
– VISIT us at Yeovil Art Space during opening hours (Wed – Friday 10am to 4pm, Sat 10am – 5pm)
BOOK NOW

Part of a new Creative Workshops Programme (APRIL -JUNE 2022) in Yeovil Art Space and in our nearby edible garden between April and June. Ranging from photography, mosaic, silver sculpture, crochet, art journaling, creative gardening and collage, perfect opportunity to learn something new and enjoy being creative with us!
CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL PROGRAMME

[Terms and Conditions]

  • Please check age limit for each workshop.
  • ‘Make it together’ for some workshops, an offer for a group of 2 family or friends to make one item together.
  • Most of the workshop takes place on the 1st floor. If you require wheelchair access or have difficulties climbing stairs, please let us know so we can make arrangements.

[Cancellation policy]

  • 100% refund for cancellation before 30 days prior to the event.
  • 50% refund for cancellation before 14 days prior to the event.
  • Non-refundable for cancellation within 7 days prior to the event.
  • Transfer to another workshop is possible if you cancel 7 days before the workshop date.
  • Full refund if YAS cancels the workshop due to insufficient sign up.