Author: Victoria Petchey

Art at the Beach 2022

Photo by Fern Nicholson

WOW! What an event!

First of all, a huge thank you to all the exhibitors, visitors and supporters of the event, without you, none of this would be possible!

On the day we had an eclectic mixture of artworks on show and what a feast for the eyes it was! We also had a demo tent which housed Lois Cordelia, Catalina Carvajal and Toby Mayhew, who all demonstrated their incredible talents as artists by painting live.

We also had an activity tent that was free to visitors on the day. The tent was run by five wonderful ladies from the After Hours Collective and they helped guide people through the activities available, which varied from pebble decoration, mini flags and beach themed collage.

A unique van was also on display and this was kindly brought to the event by Suzanne and Alex from inc_Suffolk (menta). The van was painted by artist, My Dog Sighs, and it made for an exciting addition to Art at the Beach.

To see more photographs of the day, please click here. Photography by Fern Nicholson and if you share/use these images, please give her credit, thank you.

Our deepest condolences

We are saddened to hear the news regarding the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with her family at this difficult time.

Art at the Beach will continue to take place tomorrow at Beach Street Felixstowe. This event is not cancelled and we feel that, Lilibet, was a woman who enjoyed the arts and a keen supporter of those in that field work.

A book of condolences will be on display during the festival alongside this portrait artwork that was created by a group of children from the kids art club at The Waffle Shack – Felixstowe.

Art & Wine

We have just teamed up with The Little Wine Bar in Walton to offer you the wonderful combination of art and wine!

Tickets are now on sale and available by clicking here.

Art for adults. All skill levels welcome! £15 per person. Ticket includes a wine or beer upon arrival. Art materials provided. Each month we will be using different mediums, techniques and methods. 228 High Street, IP11 9DS.

Held once a month on a Wednesday. Limited availability. See you there!

  • Wednesday August 24th – Watercolour bouquet – Learn some simple watercolour techniques to paint an array of beautiful flowers.
  • Wednesday September 21st – Cat collage – Inspired by the work of Nia Gould, we will be looking to create cat portraits through the medium of collage.
  • Wednesday October 19th – Frida Kahlo – Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo, is the inspiration of this workshop and we will be combining it with painting onto wine bottles!
  • Wednesday November 23rd – Christmas watercolours and calligraphy – Paint a beautiful Christmas inspired watercolour artwork framing some sentimental Christmas words in calligraphy.

Frida Kahlo, was in Felixstowe!

This weekend, Frida Kahlo, was in Felixstowe!

It was carnival weekend in Felixstowe and what a glorious event it was! The theme for the carnival was ‘hero’s and villains’, so it was only right that I dressed up as my artistic hero, Frida Kahlo.

A huge thank you to the organisers of the event, the supporters and spectators.

Photo credit to Alan Boyle, Felixstowe News, Susie Sparkle and my parents 🙂

Thanks again,

Victoria

Look at our poster!

Here’s our wonderful poster! Isn’t it great!?

We’re so in love with our poster and the stunning imagery that has been kindly lent to us by Evie White.

We are also thrilled to announce our sponsors and partners for the event. Without them, this event wouldn’t be the same, so a big thank you to them!

The Gallery Box, The Waffle Shack, Evie White, Wamfest, Spa Pavilion, East Suffolk Council and Beach Street Felixstowe.

Applications are OPEN!

STEP 1 – SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION BY CLICKING HERE.

STEP 2 – SUBMIT YOUR PITCH FEE BY CLICKING HERE.

STEP 3 – EMAIL YOUR PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE BY CLICKING HERE.

Art at the Beach

Visual art festival at Beach Street Felixstowe

A new art festival has arrived in Felixstowe this summer! With over 40 artists and creatives displaying their work, free art activities for visitors and a demonstration tent!

If you want to get involved in the newest art festival in Suffolk, keep reading and submit the payment of your application by clicking here. 

About:

  • Art at The Beach aims to strengthen the local art community and make art accessible to everyone.
  • Art at the Beach – Visual art festival at Beach Street Felixstowe.
  • Saturday 10th September 2022, 10am – 4pm.
  • Beach Street Felixstowe, Manning’s Amusements, Micklegate Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 2GN.
  • Limited number of stands available. Applications accepted on a first come first served basis.
  • Pitch fee is £35 (one Heras fence at 3.5m in length). Only one fence per applicant.
  • Pitches must be paid for at time of booking. For refunds and cancellation, please see more details below. 
  • Traders are personally liable for their individual stalls. Art at the Beach organisers are not liable for any damage, loss, theft or injury incurred while participating at Art at the Beach.
  • Artists must obtain Public Liability Insurance & provide evidence of this during the application process. 

More details on sponsorship, partnerships and the poster will be announced next week!

We are moving!

Dear friends, colleagues and customers of The Gallery Box,

I want to let you know that this summer, The Gallery Box will be departing from Beach Street Felixstowe. I have enjoyed my time at this exciting location, but it’s time for me to embark on a new chapter in my art journey.

I am passionate about art (it’s my life!) and I will be continuing to teach art classes, work on commissions and organise exhibitions, festivals and other art related projects. The only difference, for now, is that The Gallery Box will not be a physical shop. However, I will be posting regularly on Instagram and Facebook to let you know what I’m working on and keep you updated with art classes and other art related projects.

Thank you all for your support – please stay in touch and I look forward to working with some of you in the very near future!

Victoria 

Our first Sketchbook Club for adults!

Last night we had our first Sketchbook Club for adults at The Waffle Shack!

It was a very productive evening and everyone enjoyed learning something new at the workshop. We focussed on ‘seeing skills’ during the session, based on the book by Betty Edwards, called ‘Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain’.

Victoria Petchey, led the class by demonstrating and handing out examples of her own artwork, to show the process of how she creates her building themed illustrations. 

After drawing, inking and painting with watercolours it was time for waffles! Tracy cooked up a selection of her scrumptious waffles and crepes for those in the workshop, ranging from, Oreo crumble, Eton mess, Canadian cinnamon, choc banoffee, berry delight, lotus biscoff, zesty lemon and Bueno surprise!

Tickets are on sale for more Sketchbook Club workshops, but spaces are limited! 

Local collage artist, Hannah Tooke, will be hosting the next class and will be focussing on collage using hand painted papers. Her work is stunning and you can see more of her work here.

The Sketchbook Club in July is now fully booked, but don’t worry, we have more coming up and Hannah is back in October, click here to book.

Thank you to everyone who attended the first workshop and we look forward to seeing you at the next one!

Victoria and Tracy

Sketchbook Club for Adults!

CLICK HERE to book!

Art for adults. All skill levels welcome! £18 each or two tickets for £30.

19:00 – 21:00. Ticket includes art class followed by a waffle and drink of your choice to eat in or takeaway.

Materials included but feel free to bring your own sketchbook if you prefer! Classes held at The Waffle Shack and taught by a different artist each month! Always something new to learn!

Lots of free parking in surrounding streets.

CLICK HERE to book your ticket!

Location: The Waffle Shack, Beach Street Felixstowe, IP11 2GN.

Classes for 2022:

Wednesday 15 June, 19:00 – 21:00.

‘Ink and Watercolour Illustration‘ – Class led by Victoria Petchey.

Wednesday 13 July, 19:00 – 21:00.

‘Drawing and Collage‘ – Class led by Hannah Tooke.

Wednesday 10 Aug, 19:00 – 21:00.

‘Colour and Illustration‘ – Class led by Catalina Carvajal.

Wednesday 14 Sep, 19:00 – 21:00.

‘Drawing and Collage‘ – Class led by Hannah Tooke.

Wednesday 12 Oct, 19:00 – 21:00.

‘Landscapes‘ – Class led by Louise Craigie.

Kid’s Art Classes!

Art classes have started at The Waffle Shack!

First Tuesday of every month, 4:30pm – 6:15pm. More details below…

An art class for ages 8-13 years. Each art class will run promptly from the set date and time advertised. The plan is to run a 1 hour art class, followed by 1/2 waffle and a drink for each participant.

Availability for the class is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance to secure a place. Tickets available to buy at The Waffle Shack, Beach Street Felixstowe, Micklegate Road, IP11 2GN.

The responsible adult/s for each child, are welcome to stay on site and enjoy a drink or bite to eat at Beach Street, from one of the surrounding cafes/eateries during the class.

During the class, each participant will get to use a variety of different art materials and will have a finished artwork to take home at the end of the class. Suitable for boys and girls. The class will vary each month, but promises to be fun, creative, imaginative and inspiring for those who attend!

The tutor of the class, Victoria Petchey, has had an enhanced DBS check and is about to renew her application, which can be produced upon request. A disclaimer form must be signed by the responsible adult of each child partaking in an art class. This form will be produced at the beginning of the class when each child arrives at The Waffle Shack. Any allergies or medical conditions of participants in the class must be made aware to the organisers of the class.