Experience new art festival in Lancaster

A new free Festival of Art combining an exhibition and opportunities to get creative and improve your wellbeing  is being launched in Lancaster.

Experience will take place in The Storey Gallery and feature paintings, digital art, sculpture, mosaics, photography, ceramics and weaving produced by more than 35 local artists.

The festival will also offer workshops for adults and families as well as artist demonstrations and talks as part of King Street Arts campaign to spotlight the role art can play as a life-enhancing experience which creates natural positivity and encourages social contact. 

This visual arts extravaganza will be run by King Street Arts Associates, a group of more than 50 members, founded by King Street Arts more than seven years ago to develop opportunities for local artists and to connect them to the general public.

“It has been proven that just experiencing art made by others can give wellbeing benefits and just seeing what’s possible makes this an inspiring experience which can often be a gateway to people exploring their own creativity too,” said Roy Smith who co-founded King Street Arts with Kath Macdonald in 2017.

Kath said: “We both came in to art later in life and have benefited from the positive effect of creativity in our lives.

“It can build confidence, be a new form of expression or way of looking at the world and is definitely good for stressbusting. We want to invite everyone to sample the benefits creativity might bring them.”

After almost a decade, King Street Arts have developed a track record of staging successful large-scale art events including nine annual art fairs held in December each year but Experience is a new venture which Roy and Kath are proud to offer to the community.

“This festival allows people to try creative processes for themselves, talk to like-minded others about their own creativity and just be in an environment where art provides a positive vibe," said Kath.

"All are welcome.”

Artist Milan Ivanic whose work can be seen at the Festival of Art

During the festival, there will be artists demonstrating mosaic making and painting with soft pastels as well as talks on collage techniques and how to publish an artist’s book.

Workshops include a family introduction to weaving, experimenting with paint, creating a charcoal scene and a family clay workshop with the opportunity to make your own monster.

All festival events are free and open to all but places must be booked in advance HERE.

Experience: A Festival of Art runs from May 11-16; 11am-5pm.