New exhibition lights up Hinckley

Into the Light is a solo exhibition by artist Charles Kitchen, a landscape artist living and working in Northamptonshire, and will run from October 16 until November 10.

The exhibition will feature works inspired by the UK’s varied landscapes and coastlines, with the artist using a combination of light, colour and weather to create atmospheric scenes.

Despite a 35-year career in art, this will be Charles’ first exhibition in Leicestershire. He produces works in various mediums, such as oil and watercolour, with most of this exhibition’s work produced on location from Charles’ travels around the UK.

Anyone interested in this exhibition may Meet the Artist on Monday on 16 October and Friday 20 October in Atkins Gallery.

Since the exhibition opens during the October half-term, Charles and his wife Jacki are also running a colouring competition for younger visitors, with art prizes for the winners. 

The age categories for the colouring competition are age 5 to 9 and 10 to 14. Entrants can collect a colouring sheet from the Atkins Building reception to complete in the gallery or to finish at home and return later. 

All entries to the colouring competition will be displayed in the Into Light exhibition and the artist Charles and Jacki will choose the winners on Friday 20 October (half term Friday) at 3pm. Entries must be returned to the Atkins Gallery before 12pm on Friday 20 October and have the entrant’s name, age and the parent or caregiver’s contact phone number written on the back. 

Charles Kitchen said of his upcoming exhibition:

“I am very excited to be holding my first Leicestershire exhibition of oil paintings at the lovely Atkins Gallery in Hinckley. I am really looking forward to interacting with visitors and talking about my work and art related subjects.

“I am also keen to see the younger visitor's creative skills in the colouring competition with prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each of the two age groups.”

Charles’ original paintings will also be for sale, alongside mounted prints and greeting cards, all of which make for fantastic and unique Christmas gifts.

Executive Member for Culture at the Borough Council, Councillor Mark Bools said:

“This promises to be a fascinating exhibition exploring light and colour through art, and something the whole family can come along and enjoy for free during the half term holiday. I’d urge everyone to come along and enjoy the array of art on display at Atkins.”

Atkins Gallery is open Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00. For Saturday opening information, visit the Atkins Building website or social media @AtkinsBuilding.