Sky Arts’ Portrait Artist of the Year finalist Tom Mead will return to the venue where he had his first exhibition as part of the 2019 Art and Sculpture Exhibition at the Thames Chase Forest Centre in August (Tuesday 13th-Monday 26th).
Portrait Artist of the Year is currently showing on Channel 4, on Saturdays at 5pm, Tom Mead will be appearing on 10th August.
Tom with Portrait Aritst of the Year host Stephen Mangan during the semi finalists exhibition in Mayfair.
Tom, from Cranham, was a hit with the judges and many of the celebrities and personalities who sat for participants throughout the competition.
His unique style has won many more plaudits since the completion of the show, including being short listed for the Ruth Brochard self portrait prize, and graduating from Wimbledon College of Arts, this summer.
Now pursuing his artistic career full-time, Tom will be among 30 professional and amateur artists from the local area showcasing their work at the exhibition, entitled Ideas and Imagination.
Tom's first exhibition was held at the Thames Chase Forest Centre in 2015
He’ll also be attending the opening event at a special VIP evening on Tuesday 13th August, having exhibited his work for the first time at the Forest Centre in 2015, when he was just 17.
Acting Chair of Trustees Mary Wright said:
“We’re absolutely delighted that Tom will be showing off some of his amazing paintings as part of this year’s event.
“He captured the imagination of thousands of people across the country on his way to the final of this year’s Portrait Artist of the Year show, and it’s a great chance for people here to see his latest and increasingly accomplished work close-up, alongside the pieces from the many other talented artists and sculptors from the local area.”
The exhibition, which runs from Tuesday 13th August to Monday 26th August, is free to enter, with most works displayed on sale.
Commissions from sales will go to the Thames Chase Trust, to support the important work in protecting and enhancing the Thames Chase Community Forest.
There are a number of other events taking place at the Forest Centre during the exhibition's run, including a musical cream tea dance, Sunday market with local craftspeople, children's holiday activities and evening yoga.
Children’s art competition – entries close on Friday 9 August
Alongside the Art and Sculpture Exhibition, the Trust is holding a children’s art competition – aiming to capture the wonders of the woodland and the animals that call the Community Forest home.
Tom Mead will be the lead judge for the competition, with the winners announced at the preview evening for the Art and Sculpture Exhibition.
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