27 June - 25 July 2026

'Returning' is a wonderfully evocative group exhibition featuring five artists who also happen to be very close friends! The exhibition celebrates decades of friendship and connection across countries and through varied careers and life changes with paintings reflecting the artists’ personal journeys: the people, places, and emotion that inhabit their memories.

Locally based artist Alexa MacKenzie grew up in Cape Town and works in waterbased oils on canvas and wood. As a film editor, she is often drawn to movement, trying to freeze frame a memory (either hers or others) to create a snapshot in time.

Local artist Vivienne Hewland unpicks her emotions whilst reflecting on her recent breast cancer journey. She uses mixed media, layering colour and texture in an attempt to convey the complexity of her emotions and visceral reaction to endless clinical settings in contrast to her suppressed emotions.

Mark Kenchington, also local to the area, works with charcoal and chalk to create atmospheric landscapes and seascapes. Some pieces are inspired by old photographs, some imagined: scenes of ships toiling on the waves, dark forests and people whose lives were shaped by the sea.

London-based artist Rebecca Wellburn explores the fragmented nature of memory. Her painting is influenced by her work as a therapist, bringing together people, places and half remembered objects in a process of revisiting and retelling.

Philadelphia-based figurative artist Clare Luzuriaga works primarily in oil on board. Drawing inspiration from old family photographs, she explores human connection and interaction, childhood and motherhood.

Visitors will be able to 'Meet the Artists' in the Main gallery between 11 - 2pm on Saturday 27th June

Opening hours are: Monday to Friday 9:30am-5pm; Saturday 9:30am - 5:30pm (closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays). Admission is free.