Shepherd Neame has sponsored the inaugural Contemporary Kent Artists (CKA) exhibition series, which took place in Whitstable last month.
The event, showcasing original works inspired by the theme The Love That Lasts Longest — a line from writer W Somerset Maugham, who spent part of his childhood in the town — brought together 21 visual artists, 10 poets, and 10 bands. There was also a series of artist talks.
The initiative was the brainchild of Whitstable art enthusiast and events organiser Maxine Russo and her partner James Gilgunn, a Margate-based artist. They felt it was important that Kent artists were represented and promoted on an independent basis.
A highlight of the fortnight was the CKA Award Ceremony, held at The Boatyard. The evening celebrated the winners of the three exhibition prizes: Liz Atkin, who won third prize with the People’s Choice award and second prize from sponsor Contemporary Art Academy for her charcoal seascapes, and Margate artist Shringi Kumari, who won first prize, the Shepherd Neame Kent Artist Award. The was presented by the brewery’s chief executive, Jonathan Neame.
