News Shop local this Christmas
With so many local producers, businesses and artists creating and providing wonderful local goods there is every reason to shop local this Christmas.
Christmas craft markets at the beautiful Maidstone Museum as well as the Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre on Saturday 10 December from 10am to 3pm are perfect opportunities to pick up a handmade, locally produced item as a unique present.
For a larger piece of artwork a new start up art gallery on the third floor in the Maidstone Innovation Centre (MIC) could provide something special.
Following a call for local artists to create artwork to go on sale as part of the new gallery, Claire Louise Harris, an artist from Bearsted has been selected to have her artwork displayed in the MIC business centre.
Cllr Claudine Russell, Maidstone Borough Council Lead Member for Leisure and Arts said:
The artwork had to meet a criteria of either being based around the life science medical technical, well-being or nature themes and provide a warm, welcoming environment for tenants. We would like to encourage more artists to submit their artwork for the Innovation Centre gallery which, if selected, will be installed in the building.
Claire has lived and studied in Maidstone throughout her life and is a music teacher and art lover, she has created a series of vibrant nature images for the MIC which are all available to buy.
Claudine continued:
Maidstone Borough Council will continue to grow our leisure and cultural offer and holding events like the Christmas markets and creating a new art gallery that encourage local artists to sell their items are a great way to showcase local talent. By shopping locally you are not only helping to celebrate the wonderful independent businesses you are also reducing your carbon footprint.
To help the new art gallery grow the MIC is welcoming more artwork from other artists. Any artists interested in showcasing their work at the MIC should email: innovation@maidstone.gov.uk
For more information on the Maidstone Museum visit: https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk and for Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre and the many attractions it has to offer visit https://lockmeadowentertainment.co.uk/
A Thriving Place is one of the four priorities for Maidstone Borough Council and the shop local campaign reflects this.
Sign up to Maidstone Borough Council e-newsletters ‘Stay Connected’ to receive vital news and updates via email for the many services and events provided by the Council https://maidstone.gov.uk/StayConnected