About – Folkestone Art Society

Folkestone Art Society was established in 1928 and became a registered charity in 2015. It has grown into a thriving community of 100+ local artists; an eclectic mix of amateur, semi-pro and professionals pushing their own boundaries and developing expertise in the visual arts. We regularly:

put on exhibitions of members’ work – open to the public these exhibitions are a showcase at which all work is for sale
run masterclasses which are open to the wider public and workshops for members – facilitating enhancement of skills and introducing new techniques
meet up socially – encouraging creative networking in Folkestone
run the ‘Gloria Gordon Award’ – an annual award for young artists studying GCSE and ‘A’ Level art in and around Folkestone

The Committee is chosen each year by the members at the Annual General Meeting. Our 2023 President and Committee is:

Shane Record

President

Shane is an established professional artist with a studio gallery in Folkestone's Creative Quarter since 2005. He paints mainly in oils with a palette knife, but is equally happy using other mediums.

Dave Jackson

Chair

Dave is the Chair of the Society. Following a successful career in Art Education he is now fully focused on his own creative practice in his studio and en plain air utilizing a wide range of media and scales.

Diane Wilson

Secretary

Diane is the Society Secretary and runs Monty & Me.

Rob Lansman

Treasurer

Rob has joined the Society in 2022 as our Treasurer. Rob is a printmaker and is also interested in digital art.

Nikki Griffith

Membership

Nikki is Membership Secretary. She is an artist for whom excitement, exploration and discovery are key. She works in watercolour, acrylics, inks, pastels and mixed media.

Linda Steed

Young People

Linda leads on engagement with young people including organising the annual Gloria Gordon Awards.

Nicola Condie

Education and events

Nicola organises the Society's annual programme of masterclasses. She is also a keen artist!

Amanda Wood

Exhibitions

Amanda leads on organising the Society's Exhibitions. Her background is in fine art and sculpture. She works in oil, acrylic, ceramics, wood carving and illustration.

Laura J Brown

Events Assistant

Laura assists with the society's activities that engage members and the wider community. Laura is a mixed media artist with a background in global health research.

David Upton

Branding and design

David loved art at school, but fell out of touch with it until 2019. He likes working with various media. He is responsible for publicity and design for the Society.

Sam Crowe

Marketing

Sam leads on marketing for the Society. She is an illustrator, watercolour and acrylic artist, and was a British Art Prize finalist in 2022.

Matt Horrox

Social Media and Website

Matt looks after the Society's social media and website. He is returning to painting in 2022 after a long hiatus. He likes to work in oil, acrylic as well as digital.