Art lovers from across the Sid Valley and beyond will be thrilled to learn that the South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts (SWAC) will be hosting its free Show of Art at Kennaway House in Sidmouth from Monday, April 12.

Sidmouth Herald: David Norman - This week I Will Be Using Mainly YellowDavid Norman - This week I Will Be Using Mainly Yellow (Image: David Norman)

The academy, one of the largest and most successful arts organisations in the South West, will be bringing together some of the finest artists from across the region at its first event of the year, running to May 1. The show will be open daily (including weekends) from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Sidmouth Herald: Jan Phethean - The Midnight MothJan Phethean - The Midnight Moth (Image: Jan Phethean)

Chris Mitchell, executive director of SWAC, said: “There is something for everyone to enjoy in this show, from traditional and contemporary paintings to sculptures, photographs, prints and ceramics.
“A visit to this free viewing is sure to lift your spirits, with art works by 54 renowned academy members, such as Colin Allbrook RSMA RI, June Arnold PS, Ray Balkwill, Alan Cotton, Isabel Coulton, Phil Creek, David Norman, Laurel Keeley, Andrew Thomas, Tony Williams RSMA and Paula Youens, available for visitors to purchase along with cards, books and unframed original prints. You can browse the online catalogue and make purchase enquiries at www.southwestacademy.org.uk”

Sidmouth Herald: Jane Hodgson - Close Your Eyes and I'll Still Be ThereJane Hodgson - Close Your Eyes and I'll Still Be There (Image: Jane Hodgson)

To coincide with the Show of Art, the academy is also celebrating the launch of a new book called Light in the West. Along with 400 illustrations, 70 artists provide a personal and unique view of the influences that the region’s landscape, people and places have had on their work.
Founding academy member Alan Cotton provides a fascinating introduction to the book while its author, Simon Butler, gives a short history of art in the region from the 18th century to the creation of the world-famous schools in Newlyn and St Ives.
The academy’s honorary patron, Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE, DL writes in her foreword to the book: “The role of the artist within society has never been more important; to create work that has meaning beyond the surface of the canvas, to educate and provide society with a vision of something that transcends the everyday.”

Sidmouth Herald: Zoe Hyde - The Blessing of the SeaZoe Hyde - The Blessing of the Sea (Image: Zoe Hyde)

For an online catalogue of the Show of Art and for more information about the work of the academy (charity no.1087350), including how to become a friend of the academy, or to make a donation, go to www.southwestacademy.org.uk

Sidmouth Herald: Andrew Thomas - Purbeck Form ThreeAndrew Thomas - Purbeck Form Three (Image: Andrew Thomas)

Kennaway House, Coburg Rd, EX10 8NG is a covid-safe environment. Please wear a mask and follow the guidance for visitors displayed at the entrance. There is no need to book in advance but visitor numbers inside the house at any one time will be limited to keep everyone safe. Refreshments will be available from nearby cafés.

Sidmouth Herald: Carolyn King - Notre Dame de ParisCarolyn King - Notre Dame de Paris (Image: Carolyn King)

Sidmouth Herald: Laurel Keeley - The Walk on MondayLaurel Keeley - The Walk on Monday (Image: Laurel Keeley)

Sidmouth Herald: Alan Cotton - Cyprus - Summer at PaphosAlan Cotton - Cyprus - Summer at Paphos (Image: Alan Cotton)

Sidmouth Herald: June Arnold - Street food in KolkataJune Arnold - Street food in Kolkata (Image: June Arnold)

Sidmouth Herald: Ray Balkwill - A Flood of Winter Light, Exe EstuaryRay Balkwill - A Flood of Winter Light, Exe Estuary (Image: Ray Balkwill)