Ilminster Arts Centre

Ilminster Arts Centre Our mission is to bring amazing art, live music and creative workshops to the South West. Gallery: Constantly changing exhibitions in our gallery.

Music: local as well as international musicians from the world of jazz, folk and classical music. Workshops: we offer a range of tutored and untutored workshops to all in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Try your hand at clay, watercolour, oil painting, drawing, felt making, rag rugs, or one of our one off workshops. All ages and abilities are welcome. Gallery Cafe: Open Tuesday - Friday 09.30 -

3.00. Saturday 09.30-2.00 for coffee, cakes, light lunches and our famous cheese scones! Craft Shop: our ever-changing craft shop offers one-of-a-kind treasures ranging from handbags to woodwork from talented south-western crafters. To book for any event please contact us by telephone, email, on our website, or pop in and say hello. Please see our website for full listings and dates of this season's events. We wouldn't be here without your support, so a big thank you to all our Friends, volunteers and everyone involved.

🎨Current Exhibition: Prize Winners Open 24'A selection of work from the winners of the 2024 Open Exhibition. The exhibit...
03/01/2025

🎨Current Exhibition: Prize Winners Open 24'

A selection of work from the winners of the 2024 Open Exhibition.
The exhibition features work from the following artists:

🌟Overall Winner: Hannah Shrubb
✨Runners Up: Hannah Scott, Zee Jones
✨Emerging Artist Award: Hajnal Vegh
⭐Highly Commended Artists: Michael Calver, Natasha Seed, ashar
⭐Visitor’s Choice Award: Diana Jane

The exhibition runs until 25th January

02/01/2025

🎻Upcoming concert: Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood Jack

A fantastic folk evening featuring two bands for the price of one: Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood Jack join Flying Folk host Jemima Farey.

Sian and Rob Colquhoun perform a lively repertoire largely drawn from Old-Time, classic Bluegrass and early country.

With over a decade of touring and a life lived on the road, Wildwood Jack's adventures and journeys are richly woven into their songwriting to create songs that sparkle with originality and the craft of storytelling. Contemporary folk played with outstanding acoustic guitar and ukulele.

Video: Sian and Rob Colquhoun

24 January
7.30 - 9pm
Tickets: £16

https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

🎄Wishing all our visitors a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!🎄
20/12/2024

🎄Wishing all our visitors a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!🎄

🎻January Concerts🎻Flying Folk - With Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood JackFriday 24 JanuaryTonight we'll have two bands...
17/12/2024

🎻January Concerts🎻

Flying Folk - With Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood Jack
Friday 24 January

Tonight we'll have two bands for the price of one! A fantastic folk evening featuring Sian and Rob Colquhoun and Wildwood Jack.

Sian and Rob Colquhoun perform a lively repertoire largely drawn from Old-Time, classic Bluegrass and early country.
Wildwood Jack play contemporary folk with acoustic guitar and ukulele.




Don't forget Flying Folk host Jemima Farey!

7.30 - 10pm
Tickets: £16

🎶January Concerts🎷‘S’Wonderful’ A homage to George GershwinFriday 17 January 20257.30pm - 10pmThis brand new show centr...
14/12/2024

🎶January Concerts

🎷‘S’Wonderful’ A homage to George Gershwin

Friday 17 January 2025
7.30pm - 10pm

This brand new show centres on one of the greatest composers of the 20th Century, George Gershwin and features many of his compositions including The man I Love, Someone to Watch Over Me, Summertime and I've Got Rhythm.

Tickets: £20

https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

🎄Looking for a Christmas Gift?🎄Our Christmas Collection, is a curated exhibition of handmade items from local makers. Pe...
13/12/2024

🎄Looking for a Christmas Gift?🎄

Our Christmas Collection, is a curated exhibition of handmade items from local makers. Perfect for gift inspiration.

Arts Centre open Tues - Sat 9.30am - 3pm
Ends Friday, 20 December at 3pm

📣 We are Hiring!📣This is an exciting opportunity to join the team at Ilminster Arts Centre. This role will play a crucia...
15/11/2024

📣 We are Hiring!📣

This is an exciting opportunity to join the team at Ilminster Arts Centre. This role will play a crucial role in supporting the smooth operation of the Centre by coordinating the delivery of the exhibitions program, providing office cover, handling various administrative tasks and providing assistance to staff, artists, volunteers and visitors.

For further information please visit our website: https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/news/we-are-hiring

NEW EXHIBITION!'Life is not Still - A florilegium of the Kennet and Avon Canal'Maria Harryman is a Wiltshire based artis...
14/11/2024

NEW EXHIBITION!
'Life is not Still - A florilegium of the Kennet and Avon Canal'

Maria Harryman is a Wiltshire based artist whose current work finds inspiration in florilegium, books dating back to medieval times which recorded the plants of a particular place or garden. In this exhibition her specific place of interest is the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Exhibition runs from 12 November - 23 November

Maria will be in the gallery on Saturday 16th November to discuss her work and show her sketchbooks providing insight into her working practise.

NEXT FRIDAY: Craig Milverton with Simon SpillettFriday, 1 November19.30 - 10pmInspired by the classic Brit-bop of the 1...
26/10/2024

NEXT FRIDAY: Craig Milverton with Simon Spillett

Friday, 1 November
19.30 - 10pm

Inspired by the classic Brit-bop of the 1950s and 1960s, Simon's style is powerfully passionate, its emphasis on straight-ahead jazz. Simon is supported by Craig Milverton, one of Britain's finest Jazz Pianists.

Tickets: £20
https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

3-in-1 Christmas Craft workshop for children ⭐includes FREE cookie and juice box!⭐Tuesday, 29 October 202410.00 - 11.30-...
25/10/2024

3-in-1 Christmas Craft workshop for children
⭐includes FREE cookie and juice box!⭐

Tuesday, 29 October 2024
10.00 - 11.30

- Mosaic Stars **
- Dip and Dye a Candle
- Christmas tree decorations

Age 4-12
Cost: £6

To book please contact: 01460 54973 or [email protected]

Annie’s Cakery Bakery at The Gallery Cafe had some great news yesterday. Let's help get them to number one! Votes and sh...
18/10/2024

Annie’s Cakery Bakery at The Gallery Cafe had some great news yesterday. Let's help get them to number one!
Votes and shares would be much appreciated 🗳️☑️🤞

TODAY! Meet the Artists: Frog Lane Artists14.00 -15.00Ilminster Arts Centre is proud to present The Frog Lane Painters E...
16/10/2024

TODAY! Meet the Artists: Frog Lane Artists

14.00 -15.00

Ilminster Arts Centre is proud to present The Frog Lane Painters Exhibition, showcasing the incredible talent of a longstanding group of local amateur artists.
This special exhibition, running from 15th October to 9th November 2024, highlights the journey and growth of these artists, many of whom began as complete beginners at IAC’s popular acrylic painting classes.
The Frog Lane Painters, tutored by the highly regarded Juliet Farnese, were formed through the IAC’s Acrylic Class and will be in the gallery today between 2 and 3pm to meet with the public and discuss their work.

https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/exhibitions

NEXT FRIDAY: Led ZeppelishGet ready for an unforgettable night of rock as we proudly present Led Zeppelish, the ultimate...
04/10/2024

NEXT FRIDAY: Led Zeppelish

Get ready for an unforgettable night of rock as we proudly present Led Zeppelish, the ultimate tribute band to the legendary Led Zeppelin!

You'll be guaranteed an electrifying performance that will transport you back to the early 1970s, a time of festivals, flower power, and iconic music.
Performance starts at 7:30pm

Tickets:
Standard Adult: £22
www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances/led-zeppelish

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dm7t4Xo7tN0

CLASSICAL THIS FRIDAY: Hilary Cronin and Asako OgawaSelected by BBC Music Magazine as a Rising Star of 2022, Hilary Cron...
03/10/2024

CLASSICAL THIS FRIDAY: Hilary Cronin and Asako Ogawa

Selected by BBC Music Magazine as a Rising Star of 2022, Hilary Cronin won both First Prize and the Audience Prize at the 2021 Handel Singing Competition. Hilary is a regular soloist with The Monteverdi Choir, the English Baroque Soloists and Sir John Eliot Gardiner.

Asako Ogawa is one of the today’s most versatile performers on keyboard instruments, from virginals, harpsichord, fortepiano to modern piano. Her wide repertoire covers all periods both on harpsichord and modern piano.

Promoted by Concerts in the West.

4 October
7.30 -10pm
Tickets: £18

https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

Current exhibition!South West Textiles - BorderlinesThe South West Textile Group is a long established group of textile ...
02/10/2024

Current exhibition!

South West Textiles - Borderlines

The South West Textile Group is a long established group of textile artists which produce multi media pieces and their work includes felting, weaving, stitching, dyeing, printing and painting.

They have exhibited widely in venues such as Taunton Museum, the NEC, Slimbridge, Westonbirt and the Eden Project.

The Exhibition Runs from Tuesday 24 until Saturday 12 October.

https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/exhibitions/south-west-textiles-borderlines

UPDATE - cafe opening hoursFrom Tuesday 1st October Annie's Cakery Bakery will be opening at 10 and closing at 2.30. We ...
30/09/2024

UPDATE - cafe opening hours

From Tuesday 1st October Annie's Cakery Bakery will be opening at 10 and closing at 2.30.

We hope to see you soon at the Arts Centre!

https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/cafe

📢 Did you know we have a regular newsletter jam-packed with updates from the Arts Centre, plus previews of the month ahe...
23/09/2024

📢 Did you know we have a regular newsletter jam-packed with updates from the Arts Centre, plus previews of the month ahead?

It's a great way to keep up-to-date with everything that goes on here and make sure you don't miss out on our upcoming performances, exhibitions and workshops. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Sign up here: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/y/A1700171A9D1BF69

You can also subscribe to our weekly Performances updates at the same time, so you'll never miss out on news about that week's music offering.

Address

Ilminster Arts Centre, The Meeting House, East Street
Ilminster
TA190AN

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9:30am - 3pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 3pm
Thursday 9:30am - 3pm
Friday 9:30am - 3pm
Saturday 9:30am - 3pm

Website

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Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ilminster Arts Centre posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

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Videos

SingForMe_clip.MP4
SingForMe_clip.MP4

🎻Upcoming concert: Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood Jack A fantastic folk evening featuring two bands for the price of one: Sian and Rob Colquhoun & Wildwood Jack join Flying Folk host Jemima Farey. Sian and Rob Colquhoun perform a lively repertoire largely drawn from Old-Time, classic Bluegrass and early country. With over a decade of touring and a life lived on the road, Wildwood Jack's adventures and journeys are richly woven into their songwriting to create songs that sparkle with originality and the craft of storytelling. Contemporary folk played with outstanding acoustic guitar and ukulele. Video: Sian and Rob Colquhoun 24 January 7.30 - 9pm Tickets: £16 https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

PXL_20240904_081307197.TS~2 (1).mp4
PXL_20240904_081307197.TS~2 (1).mp4

The compliments are rolling in for our current exhibition 'Connections' featuring artists Margaret Micklewright, Andrea Oke, Mary Stradling, Angela Uren. Margaret Micklewright is also running a workshop this Saturday: 'Eploring Inks' In the workshop you will discover the many variations that ink provides, leading to expressive and exciting results. 7 September 10.00 - 12.00 £40 To book, please phone 01460 54973

The dreamettes large.mp4
The dreamettes large.mp4

What a night Friday night was! The Dreamettes went down a storm and a truly fantastic time was had by all. Check out our website for more Tribute bands coming to the Arts Centre soon. https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

A fantastic evening of Folk music last night at Ilminster Arts Centre with the Farey family and The Arquebus Trio #southwestfolk #folkmusic #ukfolk #folkmusicuk

Zoe Schwarz 2.mp4
Zoe Schwarz 2.mp4

TOMORROW: Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion If you like Blues, Jazz or Rock and Roll - this is for you! Come to Ilminster Arts Centre this Friday and witness a sensational performance by Zoe Schwarz. Our intimate venue means you'll the getting up close and personal with the band and will be right in the heart of the action. Zoe’s dynamic and commanding vocal delivery is complimented by the unmistakable touch and flow of Rob Koral-guitar; and the highly accomplished rhythm section of Pete Whittaker-Hammond organ and Paul Robinson-drums (Nina Simone, Van Morrison, The Proclaimers, Paul McCartney to name a few). Zoë Schwarz Blue Commotion have made a considerable impact this last decade, and is one of the bands that have added a fresh approach and vibrancy to the UK Blues scene. Get you tickets before it's too late! 📆12th April 🕑7.30pm 🎟£20 https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances/zoe-schwarz-blue-commotion

ILMINSTER ART SCENTRE.mp4
ILMINSTER ART SCENTRE.mp4

NEXT FRIDAY: Julian Philipps - Boogie Woogie Nights🎹 Get ready to boogie woogie with Julian Philipps! Join us for an evening filled with energetic piano tunes and rhythmic beats. Don't miss out! 💃🎶 📌 Date: March 1st 🕢 Time: 7:30 PM 🎟️ £18 Tickets available over the phone 01460 54973 or online: https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances

Untitled design.mp4
Untitled design.mp4

TODAY:🐑Weaving Demonstration! 🐑 Come over today and see textile artist Lia Jenkinson weaving her magic on her loom in our gallery. You won't want to miss this opportunity to see beautiful fabrics come to life!

Untitled design.mp4
Untitled design.mp4

OPEN NOW: The Prize Winners' Open Exhibition 🖼 The exhibition features work from the winning #artists of the 2023 Open Art competition - an annual competition, open to everyone and all mediums except photography. Ten artists are exhibiting, including two young emerging artists as well as the Arts Centre’s ‘Clay Workshop Group’ with their clay #sculptures. Make sure you don't miss these talented artists and their work! https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/exhibitions

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Discover South Somerset’s most vibrant arts venue!

Welcome to Ilminster Arts Centre. We run a year-round programme of highly acclaimed art exhibitions and concerts (jazz, classical, folk and world music) along with a programme of regularly changing art exhibitions in the Gallery, and a host of art and craft workshops and other events.

We are based in a beautiful 18th-century former Unitarian church in the heart of Ilminster and last year welcomed over 30, 000 visitors through our doors. If you’ve not discovered us yet, pop in and have a look - you won’t be disappointed!

Our Gallery Cafe was recently voted ‘Best Coffee Stop of the Year’ by Cycle Somerset but you don’t have to come on two wheels to enjoy our tempting menu of hot and cold homemade lunches (served 12noon-2pm Mon-Fri), our freshly brewed Fairtrade teas and coffees and our famous cheese scones, freshly baked each morning, daily newspapers and free wifi. The gallery cafe is open to visitors and workshop participants Mon-Fri 9.30am-3pm, and until 2pm on Saturdays. Our Craft Shop stocks a carefully curated selection of work by local craft makers and a wide range of greetings cards by West Country artists. It’s an ideal place to find unique and affordable presents for all ages - and we also sell gift vouchers if you prefer to leave the choice to others! Browse from ceramics, glass, woodwork, textiles, jewellery, toys, decorative homewares, handmade soaps and more! Keep an eye out for our special events, fundraising evenings and our twice yearly Vintage Textiles Fairs. To book for any event please contact the Box Office 0n 01460 54973, or drop us an email on [email protected], or pop in and see us. Our website www.themeetinghouse.org.uk has full listings and dates of this season's events. We wouldn't be here without your support, so a big thank you to all our patrons and everyone involved.