IF LIFE WAS STILL
A contemporary group exhibition featuring artists from all over the UK, exploring the notion of everyday life, nostalgia and self-reflection. The broad range of art from the miniature carved sculptures of Emily Beales, to the lively figurative torsos of Nathan Beaton and dynamic painting of Sophie Fletcher creates for an engaging and exciting viewing experience.
Featuring: Millie E Ashworth, Nathan Beaton, Emily Beales, Isobel Brigham, Chloe Jean Brown, Hannah Edwards, Sophie Fletcher, Brandon Pearce and Bronte Teal.

An Unforgettable evening of poetry with Dave Wood

Tuesday 12th March from 6pm, reading to commence at 6:30pm for an hour. Must book a place to attendJoin us for an unforgettable evening of poetry with Dave Wood, performing his rarely seen 46 verse limerick saga of the Ilkeston giant, 'the yew tree of ilkeston' as well as some of his more recent work from 'spaghetti hoops' to 'akal'.Dave's event will be held at ILKON GALLERY, 114 Heanor Road, Ilkeston, UK. Immerse yourself in an intimate setting as Dave takes you on a poetic journey like no other.Book a place by either contacting brighamisobel@gmail.comOr through eventbrite (click here)Wheelchair accessible Dave’s book will be available at the new discounted price of £8, cash only.

INDUSTRY. Labor Omnia Vincit / 4th Jan - 17th February 2024

A look at the industries of Ilkeston that have disappeared and those that have replaced them. Curated by and including original works by Isobel Brigham

Santa Claus & Saint Nicholas 7-30 December 2023

This exhibition looks at the myth and reality of Saint Nicholas through Art in over 20 hand painted icons which contrast sharply with the three steps Andy Warhol made to create his Santa Claus prints.The icons are from 17th century to 19th century eastern Europe. They were usually painted as an act of devotion with each brush stroke accompanied by prayer. They were not intended to be exact copies and some are quite different which for me adds to the appeal when viewed together. St Nicholas is a popular figure because he was the patron saint of Georgia, Albania, Russia, the Republic of Macedonia, Slovakia, Serbia, and Montenegro. and known as a miracle workerThe Andy Warhol images were by contrast created in an entirely different process for his 1981 Series Myths and Legends. Warhol took a few Polaroid shots from different angles of Macy’s Santa Claus. He selected his favourite and projected the image onto paper which he then traced over to create the basis of the print. He tried different colour versions of the image on trial proofs before selecting the one he preferred and he created 200 identical prints which contrast with the individuality of the Icons.

Floristry class with Catherine Hampson 17th November

An Evening of Poetry with Dave Wood

Discover the enchanting world of "Akal" as we unveil a collection of poems written and passionately read by Dave. This free event, "Akal" captures the essence of the undying spirit, weaving words that resonate with the beauty of breathing, dancing, and tra-la-las.

Babble: Tower of Babel 11th Nov-2 Dec 2023

BABBLE: An Exhibition of Contemporary Art by over thirty artists, many of whom are from the East Midlands, on the subject of the Tower of Babel

11th November to 2nd December curated by Bryan Eccleshall

The show will include paintings, large and small, made in many styles, as well as sculptures, photography, drawings and an embroidered piece. Many of the artists have exhibited internationally or won prizes in prestigious exhibitions.

The Biblical story of the Tower of Babel is one that ends badly: humanity is struck down with many languages and unable to co-operate or communicate so that the construction of the tower to heaven is abandoned (Genesis 11: 1-9).

At a time when tolerance and generosity seem under attack, the exhibition can be seen as a plea for cooperation and openness that might lead to understanding and progress. As curator Bryan Eccleshall says, ‘it’s easy to just play safe and keep to what we know, but by engaging with what we might term ‘the other’ brings the possibility of discovery’. He adds, ‘I think of this exhibition as a metaphor for the conversations we should be having’.Participating Artists:

Norman ANDERSON / Diana ALI / Richard BARTLE / Dave BEECH / Emma BOLLAND / Alison J CARR / Jacob COSTEN / Andy CROPPER / Ciara DAWSON / Emma DRYE / Bryan ECCLESHALL / Alison EDMONDS / Paul EVANS / Louise FINNEY / Hondartza FRAGA / Claudia FROST / Chris GRAHAM / Aylwin GREENWOOD / Lesley GUY / Ron HASELDEN / Dale HOLMES / Jack KETTLEWELL / Sharon KIVLAND / Ken NG / Mandy PAYNE / Georgia PESKETT / Katya ROBIN / David RODFORD / Lea TORP NIELSEN / Rachel SMITH / Dhama THANIGASAPAPATHY / Helen THOMAS / Sean WILLIAMS

NEW HORIZONS: A creative Networking, Training & Sharing Social 11th October 10am-1pm. Entry is free!
Come to ILKON to attend the third New Horizons meeting on the 11th October 10am-1pm. Entry is free! Click on the link to find out more: https://www.artsderbyshire.org.uk/whats-on/events/new-horizons-a-creative-networking-training-and-sharing-social/

Selected Works from Ilkon Permanent Collection
16th September to 10th November / Curated by Isobel Brigham

The Work of Shaz Jaffer and Ruby Waage Townsend
15th August to 15th SeptemberThis exhibition has now been moved down to The Brunswick Gallery, London until 12th October.