Newsletter No 7 – 29th May 2026

The Art Exhibitionists

29th May marks the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers — those tasked with the near-impossible art of bringing calm to places where chaos has all but unpacked its bags permanently.

Artists throughout history have understood this tension well. From the haunting shadows of Picasso’s Guernica

Jules Verne Times Two / www.julesvernex Oilers2.com, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia ommons

to the unpalatable truths etched into Goya’s Disasters of War,

After Francisco Goya, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

War commands headlines, but peace requires the greater imagination.

On a very much lighter note, phew!

Our Bradenham Event over the May Day Bank Holiday at Manor Farm was a rip-roaring success — a huge thank you to everyone who joined us across the weekend. We very much hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as we did!

There was plenty to delight visitors: Morris dancers welcoming May Day in suitably spirited fashion, live music drifting through the ancient tithe barn, and a dangerously tempting selection of cakes, wine, and other refreshments enjoyed in the glorious setting of Manor Farm’s gardens and historic surroundings. Those with a keen eye may even have spotted swallows swooping gracefully through the wonderfully weathered gaps in the barn walls — of which there are many — and perhaps even caught a glimpse of the resident barn owl, although he preferred to keep rather more nocturnal hours than the rest of us.

The art itself was a triumph. We were thrilled to welcome a host of brand new talented young artists whose creativity and enthusiasm brought such fresh energy to the exhibition, alongside many of our much-loved returning favourites who, as ever, did not disappoint. Our masterclass series proved hugely popular too, producing some truly fabulous work and inspiring plenty of artistic confidence along the way.

We are also delighted that Lindengate, our nominated charity for the year, will receive a healthy donation from the event entry fees. Their stand at the show was overflowing with beautiful plants — an irresistible temptation, and I confess I left with rather more than I had intended!

Friday Mornings: Tons of Paint, Total mindful submersion

The Art Exhibitionists’ weekly art classes at St Mary’s Church Hall, Princes Risborough are going strong – every Friday, 11am–1pm (term time only).

We’re taking a brief pause for half term this week, but June returns with a flourish. First up, Lucy — our colour fanatic — showing the class just what can be achieved in two hours armed with a paintbrush smothered in acrylic paint, a little courage, and expert guidance. The following week, Magically Wild, Lou Spearing takes the helm with a decidedly fishy theme, guiding artists through illustrative work inspired by sardines and anchovies using pen and watercolour, ink, pencil, and a medley of mixed media techniques.

Each five-week block explores a fresh mix of subjects and materials, so there’s always something to tempt every mood and every level of experience — from tentative beginners to our happily paint-splattered regulars. All materials are provided, classes are kept small, and there’s plenty of genuine one-to-one support along the way.

A few snapshots from our plein air class with Paul Chappell.

Fancy joining the gang? Grab your spot here — places disappear rather quickly once the paint starts flying!:

Friday Classes

The Lindengate Event

We’re delighted to be starting plans in earnest for our next fabulous event — this time at the beautiful Lindengate Charity gardens in Wendover over the late August Bank Holiday weekend.

Spanning more than five acres, the gardens are a genuine oasis of calm and mindful restoration. Lovingly tended by a dedicated team of volunteers, they are constantly evolving — each visit offering something newly discovered alongside the quiet charm of what has always been there.

This year, we’ll be adding a touch of Art Exhibitionists magic to the setting, with a vibrant mix of artistic excellence, music, food, and drink — alongside a few imaginative new ideas we’re carefully plotting behind the scenes. Watch this space… this one promises a few surprises.

There will also be a full programme of new masterclasses to take part in, so do make sure you leave a little space in your Bank Holiday plans to visit, explore, and create something for yourself. The full schedule will be released soon, and early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

Stuff We Did

Stewart caught the Parkrun bug in May and has already clocked up three runs — with a fourth lined up for this Saturday. Even more impressively, he’s smashed his personal best every single time. At this rate, we’re expecting him to start overtaking the marshals by June!
Lucy spent most of her May weekends navigating kids football tournaments that often seemed to deliver all four seasons in one day! From sun burn to wind chill, no one was safe from the elements!
Stewy was absolutely over the moon when his beloved Bolton secured promotion at Wembley in the play-off final. Celebrations reportedly lasted an entire long weekend… and by all accounts, the detox programme may take even longer than the football season itself.
Liz is on the move—cue an exciting new house adventure. With her eye, this one’s destined to end up grinning from the pages of the interiors magazines.
Lou felt uncharacteristically adventurous this month and decided to try her hand at waterfall diving; there is a first time for everything and, indeed, a last - this ticked both boxes!

Fun but Utterly Pointless Art Fact

Vincent van Gogh reportedly ate yellow paint because he thought it would put sunshine inside him— even geniuses may just not be that bright.

Vincent van Gogh, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

How to Talk Like a Seriously Arty Sort

“Impasto” is when paint’s laid on so decadently thick you could butter toast with it—luscious ridges of texture you can practically trip over.
Vincent van Gogh, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

TTFN - love the Art Exhibitionists Team