Kent artists exhibition sponsors

Art lovers show support for contemporary Kent artists exhibition sponsored by Shepherd Neame

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame was proud to sponsor the Contemporary Kent Artists (CKA) exhibition series, featuring more than 30 local artists, for a second year.

The exhibition, which opened at the Horsebridge Art Centre in Whitstable on Thursday, October 8, showcases original pieces from creatives across Kent based around the theme of ‘We Are Our Memory’, inspired by Jorge Luis Borges’ poem ‘Cambridge’. 

The 11-day event has been accompanied by a series of artist talks, live music, quiz nights and poetry readings at venues across the town. The final event – a script-in-hand performance of Pieces of Me, a new play by local writer Isabelle Defaut – takes place on Sunday, October 18.

The exhibition and live events have both attracted large numbers of art lovers and collectors from across the county, with many pieces on display in the gallery having been sold to visitors since opening to the public.

Whitstable art enthusiast and event organiser, Maxine Russo, and her partner James Gilgunn, a Margate artist, organised the inaugural event last year. The pair felt it was important to represent independent Kent artists and promote the county’s creative talent to a wider audience.

On Wednesday, October 7, the CKA Award Ceremony and Private View was hosted at the Horsebridge Art Centre to celebrate the exhibition prize winners. 

Hundreds of artists submitted their work to be included in the exhibition, with the final pieces being selected by a panel of judges. Submissions were narrowed down to just 38 artists who were chosen to feature their artwork in the seaside gallery. 

The Shepherd Neame Kent Artist Award, presented by Shepherd Neame’s Chief Executive Jonathan Neame, went to Laura Hills, a former UCA Canterbury graduate working with installation, sculpture and layered material processes. Her piece, Gathering Line, caught the judges’ eyes and landed her the first prize.

Louisa Crispin, Angela Rumble and Shringi Kumari, who won first prize last year, were also presented with awards on the night. Other prizes included a London gallery exhibition opportunity, a Contemporary Art Academy course and a Whitstable gallery exhibition week.

There was a pleasant surprise in store when exhibiting artist Howard Cooper presented Jonathan Neame with his submission, entitled First Pint. The painting was inspired by Shepherd Neame’s historic Faversham Brewery, after Howard spotted the steam rising above the buildings while driving across the Faversham Creek bridge, and he was keen to capture the town’s brewing heritage in a creative medium.

The prize-giving was followed by an evening of food, drink and live entertainment at The Boatyard at The Duke of Cumberland pub, located opposite the Horsebridge Art Centre.

Maxine Russo said: “We are delighted with this year’s exhibition, bringing together some of the very best in contemporary art from across Kent. The exhibition has seen artists engaging with more than 900 visitors, with excellent feedback and a good number of sales.”

James Gilgunn said: “We continue to appreciate the support from Shepherd Neame and are delighted with Laura Hills’ Gathering Line as winner of Shepherd Neame Kent Artist Award 2026. Exhibiting artists from across Kent has been an absolute joy in this beautiful show, curated by Alice Herrick. We look forward to the rest of the exhibition and a brief rest before planning for 2027!”

Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: “It has been a pleasure to support the Contemporary Kent Artists exhibition for a second year. The event showcases a wealth of creative talent across Kent, and we are very proud to have been a part of it and to champion its continued success.”

The free exhibition is available to view until Sunday, October 18.

For more information about CKA, visit www.contemporarykentartists.co.uk or contact Maxine Russo and James Gilgunn at [email protected].