News Stunning arts and crafts at Maidstone Museum’s new exhibitions

Two new fabulous exhibitions running from 18 September and Saturday 30 October at Maidstone Museum will show stunning works of art created in the county.

Kent Potters Association is exhibiting exciting new contemporary ceramics and visitors will be able to meet the artists, all local Kent potters and find out how pieces are made. This annual event, brings together a varied and distinct collection of ceramics created by enthusiastic members. All the pieces on display are specially selected to show the diversity of work and visitors have the opportunity to buy any of the beautiful pieces.

The ‘Hope: Weaving Communities Together’ exhibition has been created by Artist Elaine Foster-Gandey. It shows how she has worked closely with local communities to create ‘Hope’, a giant sculptural dress woven with words of hope from people moving back out into the world after the pandemic. Through various workshops people have been given the chance to reconnect and learn skills while contributing to ‘Hope’.

Creator Elaine said:

“Bringing communities together and starting a new conversation that allows all voices to be heard in this art sculpture has been the backbone of the work. Collaborating with groups and individuals in a workshop setting brings many new ideas.

“This new sculpture weaves words of hope, bringing different communities together at a time when we have all been apart, weaving together the past and present, stepping out into the future in hope of a new way forward.”

Cllr Martin Round, Chair of the Economic, Regeneration and Leisure Committee said:

“I am really looking forward to seeing both of these exhibitions at the Museum. It will be interesting to see the many words of hope that local people have come up with. I am sure some of the ideas for the items of pottery were born out of lockdown too. These are free exhibitions so please come along and experience Maidstone Museum.”

---