As we carry on into the summer, a wide range of free demonstrations, competitively priced workshops, solo shows and exhibitions continues here at the RBSA Gallery. Make sure you catch our major Biennial Print Prize Exhibition from 26 July!
Read on to find out more about July’s highlights…
RBSA Print Prize
July 26 – 1 September
Our biennial Print Prize Exhibition aims to champion the exciting range of contemporary printmakers in the UK working across screen-print, monotype, lino-cut, wood engraving, collograph, mezzotint… and more. We are excited by the breadth of talent on show later this month. World-renowned artists will sit alongside emerging talent, and there will be bargains to be had as in addition to framed prints, you will be able to leaf through unframed works in our browse boxes.
Prizes will be selected by Mychael and Leonie or, where applicable, the prize donor. All prizes will be awarded at the exhibition Private View on Thursday 26 July, 6 – 8pm.
Friends Exhibition
Until 21 July 2018
Our annual display of artwork by the Friends of the RBSA promotes their range of artistic talents and acknowledges their importance to the Society.
Be sure to show your support by coming to see this vibrant exhibition. Our Friends work in a range of media producing exciting contemporary art. Gallery staff are happy to help if you would like to make a purchase. Visit soon!
If you were unable to enter work this year, don’t forget you can become a Friend of the RBSA and do join our free mailing list to receive all the calls for entries next year.
Zarina Keyani
Jul 7, 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm
Did you know we lay on regular FREE Saturday artist demonstrations? Join RBSA Friend Zarina at the Gallery to see how she creates her paintings.
Zarina predominantly creates contemporary abstract paintings that consider landscape and environment. Three elements of particular interest are colour, texture, and discovery. Zarina takes inspiration from artists such as Paul Klee, Mark Rothko, and Kandinsky and for her, being an artist is about being part of a community, creating a dialogue, and having a conversation.
This is an open event, 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm and there’s no need to book. Everyone is welcome, and it’s a free demo… so come and discover more about the artist’s life!
Angela Dooley
July 21, 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm
Angela captures atmospheric light, shade, and spatial depth in landscapes and cityscapes. Some of her most recent work is inspired by the reflections created by city architecture.
Angela has an impressive 37 years of teaching experience as head of an art department – she staged a solo exhibition in Furze Bank Community Centre Willenhall entitled Industrial Waterways. It featured paintings of Round Oak and Bilston Steel works. More recently she’s turned her attention to the centre of Birmingham to capture all the changes going on.
This event forms part of the Jewellery Quarter Festival, which provides a programme of activities 20-22 July. This exciting experience is completely free of charge and there is no need to book, so we look forward to seeing you there!
Shape Up
Until 29 September
If you, like us at the RBSA gallery, have a love for innovative, bright and bold designs then Shape Up is the perfect craft show for you. Shape Up offers a range of exciting geometric designs in jewellery, ceramics, and textiles by our own selected designer-makers.
The featured designs start at just £7 making them affordable and the perfect original gift for others (or yourself!) No matter your taste or budget, Shape Up has something for everyone.
Solo Shows
Landscape Through Clay
Usha Khosla
16 July – 8 September
Usha’s ceramics are inspired by landscapes, especially rock formations of many countries. The pots are hand built and represent 3D paintings, with surface decoration applied in layers. The results can be unpredictable and challenging.
Portraits of Flowers
Ann Hackett
30 July – 1 September
Ann’s representation of flowers have a sense of emotional depth, which she considers to be representational of each flower. She considers her works to be like portraits, because of their individualism.
Geoff Hodgson
The Viaduct
until 28 July
Geoff was a winner in last year’s Photographic Prize and this exhibition featuring the Duddeston Viaduct in Digbeth is his prize. Come and reflect on a forgotten corner of Birmingham in this thought-provoking show.
Menopause: A Change of Life
Gabrielle Roberts-Dalton
until 4 August
Gabrielle produces self-portraits that explore different thoughts and ideas about the physical and emotional effects of the menopause. Her thought-provoking self-portraits are presented in oil, ink, and print.
Summer Workshops
Looking for new activities for this summer? The RBSA has workshops throughout the summer for people interested in expanding or starting their artistic skills – and they are booking fast! Continue below to find out a little bit more about our July Workshops.
Vibrant Pastels
with Janette Summerfield
23 July – 24 July
Learn how to utilise texture, colour, and composition to create vibrant, eye-catching pastel artworks.
Mixing Media!
with Ann Hackett
25 July – 26 July
Discover how to use a variety of media in a range of ways to create interesting artworks. Ann will provide plenty of hints and tips on how to use pen, ink, paint, papers, and materials such as bleach to give your work added texture, depth, and spontaneity.
Painting Small With a Big Brush
with Mathe Shepheard
27 July
Produce a selection of small expressive watercolour paintings to develop free movement of the hand using a range of brushes and colours.
Pastel Gardens
with Lynda Kettle
28 July
Experiment with mark-making techniques and coloured papers to create vibrant pastel paintings based on your own reference material.
Experimental Portrait Painting
with Jain McKay
30 July – 31 July
Back by popular demand! Trial a variety of materials and approaches to create a selection of exciting portraits. There will be a live model on the second day of the workshop.
For more information about the workshops we have available across the summer and how to book, please visit our workshops page.
Visit us
Entry to all RBSA exhibitions is free and many of the works on show are on sale. We recommend viewing in person before making a purchase, but you can view many current exhibitions online, with prices, at our Flickr page.
We take a deposit or full payment at the gallery, and you can arrange to collect your work once the exhibition is over. If you can’t make it to an exhibition, call us on 0121 236 4353 or email rbsagallery@rbsa.org.uk
Visit the RBSA soon and see what original art you could be taking home…
Remember that booking is not required for our Saturday demonstrations, so feel free to drop by the Gallery on the day. For more details on all the events listed, and to find out about everything else going on at the RBSA, please take a look at the website.
By Kara Neill, RBSA Marketing Intern
Banner image: Susan Mackenzie, ‘End of the Line’
