Pictures That Pack a Punch

Liz Willis

Frday 1 May - Saturday 30 May

Liz Willis's strong abstract paintings evolved from her fascination with paper collage into striking and powerful paintings in their own right. Vibrant blocks of colours in large flat areas echo their torn paper roots, whilst bright narrow lines often lead the eye, mysteriously, off the canvas.

These are dynamic contemporary images, on both paper and canvas, that are said to have a 'monumental quality' about them.

Preview: Friday 1 May at 7pm.

Art on Friday

Friday Art Group

Friday 5 June - Saturday 27 June

The "Art on Friday" Group are an active and friendly mixture of artists with diverse artistic abilities. We meet twice monthly on Fridays at The Plough Arts Centre in an informal way. We hold workshops, exchange tips and ideas and invite guest artists for tutorials.

New members welcome.

Preview: Friday 5 June at 7pm.

Back to Black

Paul Lewin

Friday 3 July – Saturday 1 August

"This exhibition will focus on my landscape work from both Cornwall and Devon, plus some recent pieces using the pigment 'Bideford Black'. I have used this opportunity to return to some of my favourite subjects in Devon and Cornwall, but also to take a fresh look at a place I know well. I look forward to exhibiting again in North Devon."

Preview: Friday 3 July at 7pm.

Ilfracombe Seaweed, Gosse and George Eliot

Peter Stiles

Friday 7 August - Saturday 29 August

This exhibition will show recent paintings of the landscape of the Hartland peninsula. It will also include work based on a study of the Victorian craze for marine biology, focussing on the visits by the writer George Eliot and the naturalist Philip Gosse to Ilfracombe in the 1850's.

Recent exhibitions include selection for the Jerwood Drawing Prize and one man shows at the British Academy in London and the Summerfield Gallery in Cheltenham. In 2008 Peter Stiles devised and managed The Samuel Taylor Coleridge Festival at the Brewhouse in Taunton.

Preview: Friday 7 August at 7pm.

Plough Photographic Competition and Exhibition

Friday 4 September - Saturday 26 September

Welcome to our seventh annual photographic competition. This year's categories are 'Wild', 'Devon Buildings' and 'People'. Cash prizes will be awarded at the preview. For entry details please call in or contact us at The Plough. All entries welcome, special awards for the under 16s.

Preview: Friday 4 September at 7pm.

The Plough Arts Centre Open Drawing Competition

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of 'The Big Draw'

Friday 2 October - Saturday 31 October

For artists across the South West. £1000 prize. Judging artists: Michael Cullimore and Sandy Brown. Submissions by 1st August 2009. To apply, please contact us, or send an SAE to:
Visual Arts Co-ordinator,
The Plough Arts Centre,
9-11 Fore Street,
Torrington,
EX38 8HQ.

Preview and Award Ceremony: Friday 2 October at 7pm.

"Part Time – HUH"

North Devon School of Art

Friday 6 November - Saturday 28 November

An exhibition composed by mature students who are either on or have completed the part time routes in Fine Art, Ceramics and Illustration. The title reflects the intensity that these students bring to their studies. There will be examples of work across all three areas. These are students attending the North Devon School of Art, taking University of Plymouth Foundation Degrees delivered by North Devon College.

Preview: Friday 6 November at 7pm.

Original Gifts for Christmas Exhibition

Friday 4 December – Wednesday 30 December

Join us for mulled wine and festive cheer at the preview of this annual exhibition. Traditional and contemporary crafts and artwork. For an application form please contact us.

Preview: Friday 4 December at 7pm.