What's on and coming up...

Here's what's happening in our creative space, the Sail Loft, the NaviStitch shop, and on Manningtree High Street over the coming weeks...

In the Sail Loft

We had the most enjoyable preview night of our Spring Exhibition - so many of you met lots of the artists displaying their work in our Sail Loft Gallery and, to their delight, many purchases were made!

This year's Spring Exhibition Artists

Here's a remind of over 50 artists that are taking part in our Spring Exhibition that continues until 12th April. If you're in any doubt over whether to visit, just take a look at the mix of incredible talent joining us - there really is something for everyone!

We've spent time on social media introducing you to each of the artists in our Spring Exhibition. Take a look, and visit when you're in Manningtree between Wednesday and Saturday each week 10am-4pm.

Coming up..

Our next large, mixed show comes up in May and is our Affordable Art Show. It'll include a selection of work from some of our best loved artists all under £100.

We know budgets can be tight at the moment but we would like everyone to enjoy art so we have an exhibition where nothing is over £100. No need to be scared to view or worry how much something is if you know that nothing is out of reach.

As well as original art there will also be prints and unframed work. Something for every pocket! From 4th to 28th June.

Before that is our Maritime Market: a nautical and coastal themed pop-up shop, inspired by the River Stour and our beautiful coastline. Goodies and gifts to suit coastal homes, beach huts and for those that love being on or around the water, it'll run from 16th April to 3rd May.

Then we've got an exhibition from two first-time artists to our Sail Loft Gallery from 7th May to 17th May: Peter McCarthy is bringing paintings in oils, acrylics and watercolour and drawings.

Themes include still life flowers, landscapes and portraits.

Malcolm Moseley will be showing line drawing in ink or graphite, some with plant themes, and also colourful abstract paintings on paper and canvas.

And that takes us right through until the beginning of May, when there's a 2-week space before our Affordable Art Show.

If you're an artist or maker and fancy an exhibition in our Sail Loft Gallery, take a look at all of the info here.

Mothers' Day...

Don't panic if you've not bought your Mothers' Day cards or gifts yet - we're here until 4pm on Saturday! We've got greeting cards galore, and lots of present ideas: from , nautical stitched art to tote bags and coasters, ornaments to art. And that's without the work from over 50 artists in our Spring Exhibition - if your mum appreciates art, you'll find something here for her.

Finally...

Nautical Stitched Commission

Although it's too late for Mothers' Day, a piece of nautical stitched art is suitable for commemorating any special occasion, or preserving special memories.

And there are so many ways that you can customise your commissioned piece of work: the choice of chart, the thread colour, the image, the location, the frame. If you're making memories and would like to celebrate them, or you know someone who's celebrating and would like to mark the occasion, think about commissioning a piece of nautical stitched art. 

Now that we can also take orders for bespoke framing in-store, the whole thing's as easy as 1-2-3!

I'm in the NaviStitch shop most days - call in and see me, or get in touch if you fancy chatting about something you'd like.

Until next time...

I wish you calm waters and plain sailing.

Sam