Montagu's Art Meander | 26 local artists, 19 studios & 2 cats

The annual Montagu Art Meander is a delightful weekend journey showcasing local artists’ work in various galleries and home studio spaces. Colourful bunting-lined streets and two beloved local cats are part of the art celebration that connects the beauty of community and creativity. 

I love art and am in awe of artists. I also love visiting galleries and wish I had more walls to showcase artworks I fall in love with. Here’s the thing about art; it has a serendipitous way of choosing you. An artwork has the power to speak to us in deeply personal, sometimes inexplicable ways; drawing us in, making us feel, causing us to smile and even surprising us. Sometimes it even has us raising an eyebrow! But perhaps that's the point: no matter what the reactions, there's something for everyone; even the eyebrow raisers. And that’s what makes a local art walk - like the Montagu Art Meander - such a special way to spend a weekend.

As writers will tell you, stories don’t exist without readers. In the same way, art doesn’t truly live without those who appreciate it; that portion of  society who wishes they could express their creativity in a painting but have the self-awareness to accept their limitations. We’re the ones who love gallery hopping, meeting local artists and, every so often, finding a piece that ‘speaks’ to us. 

That's what makes the Montagu Art Meander the perfect match between artists and art lovers. 

❝If some of this art is not for you, that’s fine. Art appreciation is a subjective matter, and we each bring our own experience, knowledge and taste to the party. -Michael Audain❞

More than just gallery spaces

Galleries are, in fact, happy spaces. According to a 2019 study conducted in the UK - titled: ‘The Value of Arts and Culture in Place-shaping’ - 65% of people think that arts and culture are good for wellbeing and 36% think arts and culture are ‘essential to life’. 

This transforms the Art Walk into both a community event and a personal journey. There’s nothing quite like stumbling upon an artist’s work that resonates with you and purchasing it to place in your home. 

And when someone comments on it, you get to share a story; not only about the piece but about the artist you met and the little gallery or home studio where you discovered it. 

A journey through colour and craft

Some of the ‘gallery’ spaces along the Art Meander are vibrant and eclectic explosions of bold colour, others more subdued and muted, and some a little dark and brooding. 

❝Why do you try to understand art? Do you try to understand the song of a bird? -Pablo Picasso❞

But each artist - even a tattoo artist-cum painter - took the time to engage with those who crossed their threshold by sharing fascinating backstories, personal inspiration and mediums of choice. 

From elaborate quilts, large-scale mosaics, plastic painted butterfly installations and mixed media works, to pastel landscapes, watercolour botanicals, oil portraits and the odd activist art piece, an immersive visual journey was on offer all weekend long. 

That’s the beauty of a community art walk: it’s personal, it’s meaningful, and it’s full of unique and diverse stories.

Bunting, brushes & two cats

Montagu’s small-town charm - home to 10 galleries - shows just how art can flourish anywhere. With 26 local artists taking part, and 19 studio stops - each decorated with pretty bunting and colourful flags  - the Montagu Art Meander is more than a traditional gallery visit; it’s a vibrant experience where local artists open their doors and invite you into their worlds to see where the magic happens. (They are a brave bunch).

And then there are 2 resident cats - one at the Hicks Gallery and one outside the Ibis gallery - who lazily and confidently let you know that they, too, belong in a 'platteland dorpie' where this melting pot of talented creatives gather: painters, sculptors, woodworkers, potters, mosaicists and quilters of the Montagu Art Association. They’re an integral part of the quirkiness of such a community. (Exactly how it should be). 

Behind every canvas

Galleries and studios - often tucked within the artist’s own home - warmly welcome visitors, offering a glimpse not just of the art but of the passion, purpose, and creative spaces behind each piece. There’s an authenticity to it, an openness and, most importantly, an unpretentiousness.

My personal opinion? The Montagu Art Meander is about making art accessible to everyone and about local artists sharing their talent with an audience that is literally on their doorstep. Now that is something worth investing in.

The whole experience illustrates that art doesn’t have to be cloistered away in grand galleries or priced out of reach. Here, art lives locally, existing within a community, created by the same everyday people you pass on the street or rub shoulders with at the local coffee shops; people who just happen to also be artists. 

True community spirit

The philosophy behind the Montagu Art Meander is simple: it’s not about competition but rather about collaboration and a refreshing sense of camaraderie among the artists. 

This intersection of local artists and local art lovers becomes a moment of mutual appreciation as you can't have one without the other. 

It’s this community spirit, this genuine connection between artist and art lover, that makes the Montagu Art Meander feel both welcoming and memorable.

Art for the heart & home

While I may not be an art aficionado, I’m definitely an art enthusiast. And this experience has shown me that art has a universal language. It is part of community life, and I love that. 

As I completed the Montagu Art Meander, I felt a deep sense of connection and belonging; not only to the art but to this small-town community that brought it to life. 

❝This shared appreciation of creativity is part of the soul of the Montagu Art Meander.❞ 

From the cheerful bunting and welcoming studios to the two cats who have confidently claimed their roles as guardians of Montagu’s creative spirit, every detail of this meander felt relaxed and down-to-earth, leaving me with a renewed appreciation for arts and artisanal crafts, and a sense of gratitude for the artists who bring their passion to life in such a personal way. 

Montagu’s Art Meander is a celebration of art for everyone; from serious collectors to enthusiastic wanderers like myself. It’s a welcome reminder that art has a place in our lives, bringing us together, making us happy, and adding meaning to the spaces we call home.

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