Bluewater hosts 'Under the Rainbow' art exhibition featuring artists from Kent who were impacted during lockdown

alangridge@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 15:57, 19 October 2021 | Updated: 15:57, 19 October 2021

A pop-up art exhibition has opened in Bluewater showcasing more than 60 artists from across the county.

Ewa Page, a restaurant manger at the shopping centre and artist herself, set upon the idea after discovering how many creatives struggled during lockdown after being unable to showcase their work.

Under the Rainbow is open until November 1. Picture: Alanna Hagan

Under the Rainbow pop-up exhibit at Bluewater. Picture: Alanna Hagan

She also saw how art had helped sustain mental wellbeing during what has been a difficult time for all of us so created the uplifting, mindfulness exhibition 'Under the Rainbow'.

The showcase, set up as a non-profit event, put out an open call to artists from across the county to encourage amateur artists and professionals alike to apply.

It has amassed dozens of budding creatives who work with variety of mediums including paint, ink, pencil, mixed media, ceramics, glass, textiles and sculpture.

Dartford artist Francesca Skelhorn is one of the artists whose work features in the gallery. She said: "The opportunity to exhibit at the Under the Rainbow exhibition in Bluewater was something that really excited me.

"The team of women who are behind the idea of UTR have made a fantastic effort in bringing lots of artists together to showcase talent from different age groups, range of media and experiences.

"You see there is a huge room exhibiting the love for creativity and joy.

The exhibit aims to create a mindfulness space. Picture: Alanna Hagan

Bubble in situ mock-up. Picture: Francesca Skelhorn

Francesca's art. Picture: Francesca Skelhorn

"The sentiment of wanting to showcase art that uplifts and brings colour to people's lives, after such a whirlwind of unknowns, due to Covid, is a wonderful idea and to see work in the physical sense, rather than online makes all the difference.

"The exhibition reminds me of what the famous artist Grayson Perry achieved with his inspiring and comforting TV programme, called “The Grayson Art Club”.

"The TV show brought people together and showcased lots of types of artwork and highlighted how once again the creative industries lead the way in bringing people together and continuing to be an important source for positive mental health."

Over 60 artists from across Kent are showcased. Picture: Alanna Hagan

Vibrant art on display at the pop-up. Picture: Alanna Hagan

Ewa teamed up with fellow artist, bespoke picture framer and member of the Fine Art Trade Guild, Allison Ridley, to run her brainchild and appointed talented young artist, Erika Roberta Notarianni, as secretary.

The committee read up on the artists' backgrounds as they wanted to see how art helped their mental wellbeing during lockdown.

Those picked to feature in the open space include Gretel Warner, Jayne Wright, Jo Turner-Rowe, Lilia Orlova Holmes, Louise Arnold, Matt Wass and Nicola Suckling.