Summer Exhibitions Launch at The Atkinson

Join the art gallery as they launch their new season of exhibitions.

This summer, the art gallery features works from its own fine art collection alongside loans from national organisations including Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums, Imperial War Museum, National Museum Wales, Tate and many more.  Immerse yourself in paintings, ceramics and sculptures dating from the nineteenth century to the present day.

13:00 – 14:00
Stephen Whittle introduces Eternal Summer: painting by Philip Connard
Location: Art Gallery. 1st floor.
The Atkinson's Principal Manager Stephen Whittle brings together representative examples of Philip Connard's many achievements, putting the work of this multi-faceted artist back into the spotlight.  From an unpromising start as a Southport painter and decorator, Connard rose to prominence as a successful Impressionist artist and a Royal Academician.  A hardback publication accompanies the exhibition offering insight into the artist's life and features numerous illustrations of Connard's sketches, paintings and murals.

11:00 – 15:00
Edwardian Impressionists: paint your own portrait.
Location: Art Box. 1st floor.
Visitors of all ages are invited to paint their own Impressionist portrait.  Take your inspiration from works in display in the Edwardian Impressionists exhibition and then get creative with broad brush strokes and colour.  Sessions are led by artist Dot Rogers.  All materials provided.  First come first served.  You may be expected to wait until a space at a craft table becomes available.

10:00 – 16:00
The Ties That Bind: quiz.
Location: Art Gallery. 1st floor.
Pick up a quiz question sheet in the art gallery and delve deeper into the artworks on display in The Ties That Bind.  Answer all questions correctly and enter a prize draw to win an Individual membership worth £36.00.  Members enjoy a programme of exclusive events and discounts, whist supporting The Atkinson Development Trust to help The Atkinson thrive as a centre for communities to enjoy art and learn together.

14:00 – 15:00
Meet the artist: Tony Heywood
Location: Discovery Box. 2nd floor.
The Sefton coast is re-imagined in an exciting collaboration on display in the Discovery Box.  Southport-based artist Tony Heywood's spontaneous collage-like painting technique is combined with Austrian artist Hannah Stippl's unique use of floral antique rubber pattern-rollers.  Meet Tony Heywood and discover more about his practice and connection to the landscape.

​​​​​11:30 – 12:30
Meet the artists: Liver Sketching Club.
Location: The Landing Gallery. 1st floor.
The volunteer led Liver Sketching Club pride themselves on their ability to cater for all artist enthusiasts regardless of personal circumstances. Meet some of the exhibiting artists and find out about their techniques, inspirations and muses.

Inspirations: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition.
Location: Art Gallery. 1st Floor.
Competition opens: 1 June.  Submission deadline: 17 August.  Winners announced: 4 September.
Anyone over 18, with links to Sefton, is invited to respond to artworks featured in the Philip Connard and Edwardian Impressionists exhibitions.  Winners receive a prize awarded by The Arts Society and their creative writing will be displayed in the art gallery.