Our Favourite Surrey Art Galleries That You Can Visit
Hands up if you’ve ever walked by an art gallery and found it perhaps too intimidating to walk in and casually peruse? Or if you were gobsmacked by a work in the window that resonated with you so much you wanted to know more about the artist? Yep, we’ve all been there. So this is why I bring to you my go-to list of galleries in Surrey that are a pleasure to walk in to and browse exhibitions – dreaming to have those pieces up on our own walls! A lot of them hold exhibitions open to the public which are a real treat (and even a twist on date night!).
Watts Gallery - Compton
The reason I love Watts Gallery isn’t because it’s just a gallery with periodic exhibitions. They do absolutely fun courses for the creative mind and host fascinating talks. The Exhibitions they do have bring to you some gems of the art world such as Pre-Rafaelite drawings. The Watts Contemporary Gallery brings visitorscommercial exhibitions of contemporary art, craft and design throughout the year. All proceeds then go to their programme that supports both contemporary artistic practice and sustains Watts Gallery Trust’s Art for All Learning & Public Programme. A nice bonus is that the building itself is stunning,
Upcoming exhibition: Figure and Form: Sculpture Now, 24/06/22 to 29/08/22 (FREE ENTRY)
Upcoming course: Upcycling and Customising Clothes with Jeanette Farr, 11/06/22, 10am to 12pm (£30 Standard Ticket)
Photo credit: wattsgallery.org.uk
The Lightbox - Woking
The Lightbox in Woking is not just your typical art gallery. It’s also incredibly engaging with the younger members of the family that will guarantee a day out full of learning. The space prides itself in being a vibrant hub filled of culture in the heart of Woking that showcases art and heritage of world-renowned quality. It is actually both a gallery and museum and was designed by Marks Barfield architects who’s prior works include the London Eye, the treetop walkway at Kew Gardens, and recently-completed Brighton i360 observation tower.
They also hold the Lightbox Lates which offers FREE entry to all exhibitions every last Thursday of the month. Over June and July, it’ll be home to the Woking College Annual Art and Design Show.
Upcomign Exhibitions:
– James Bingham: Tejido, 24/05/22 to 05/06/22
– Canaletto and Melissa McGill: Performance and Panorama, 16/07/22 to 13/11/22
Photo credit: thelightbox.org.uk
Oko:Art - Guildford
Unlike what I mentioned in my intro, this gallery doesn’t do public viewings, BUT, the reason why it’s made the list is that it hold quite a number of exhibition. Oko:Art Gallery in Guildford is an independent gallery, exhibition and studio space for hire.
Although online, they are an absolute go-to for gifts under £100 from absolutely great arists.
Upcoming Exhibition: Surrey Artists Open Studios (SAOS), 11/06/22 to 26/06/22.
Photo credit: okoart.co.uk
New House Art Space
Nothing we like best than a building market for demoilition and a neighbouring local swoops down and saves the day! That’s exactly what happened to Guildford’s beloved New House Art Space. The art gallery is a brand new creative project where like-minded people, groups and associations can share both spaces and ideas. The pros at the gallery have created a serene and inclusive art space for artists to be creative and evolve as well as exhibit their works. As of May they have also launched a series of workshops open to the public such as the Flower Crown Workshop (it’s festival season after all).
Upcoming exhibition: Scream of the Butterfly, 01/06/22 to 06/06/22 (In support of mental health charity, MindWaves)
Photo credit: newhouse.art
Sculpture Park - Farnham
So this one is slightly different – discover the open-air Sculpture Park In Farnham where nature meets art. Open 7 days a week, it showcases over 650 modern and contemporary works by 300 established and emerging artists. The collection is nestled within 10 acres of breathtaking arboretum and wildlife-inhabited water gardens developed by landscaping artists who have introduced thousands of new plants, bulbs and specimen trees.
So there you have it, 5 art galleries that I personally adore! I hope you will find them just as fascinating as I do!
Photo credit: thethesculpturepark.com
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