‘Our Time’ Exhibition Showcases Work from Past & Present Artists at HMP Send.

I was delighted to be invited, with Suzanne to meet a group of resident artists, plus alumnae, at the Private View of the Our Time exhibition 2025, on June 24^th at HMP Send.

This annual event has been held since 2017 and includes work from woman artists who take part in the weekly Watts Gallery Trust Art workshops. This year nine artists were exhibiting their work. They all used different mediums and styles revealing their different personalities and backgrounds; and most of them had never produced any artworks before enrolling on the workshops. They all spoke briefly about their experience and thanked Sophie Artemis – their inspirational tutor, and Officer Stuart Gregory, who provides them with continuous support and encouragement.

Sally Varah of the Michael Varah Memorial Fund spoke about how in 2016-17 the co-founders talked to her about their aspirations to hold the first ever art exhibition inside a UK prison, planned and curated by the artists themselves, and how the MVMF has supported the exhibitions ever since.

The evening was graced by the Lord Lieutenant, a number of DLs and a posse of past High Sheriffs together with a number of other dignitaries with many of the guests purchasing artwork, greeting cards or postcards. Suzanne and I were delighted to acquire a set of three Hare pictures created by Dena, an alumna who returns each year to exhibit. It was a pleasure to speak with all the artist and hear their enthusiasm for the workshops and the exhibition.