A contemporary Exhibition Space showcasing new and experimental work from established and emerging artists. SVAF also actively promotes and engages with artists’ collaboration projects and formulate interactive community, school and University projects in the Gallery.
Rosalind Barker MA and Susan Evans MFA with the members of the Sevenoaks Visual Arts Forum, run The KCC Sevenoaks Kaleidoscope Art Gallery as an artist led space.The forum is based at the Gallery.
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VESPID
5 August – 12 midday 29 August 2026
“Vespid”
An exhibition celebrating the humble and maligned wasp. Featuring a diverse range of work by the Sevenoaks Visual Artists’ Forum, together with invited artists. Works include oil paintings, sculpture, prints, and drawings, all inspired by the wasp, both literal and allegorical. Move beyond the childhood phobia to see a new side of this beautiful, plucky, social insect.
Please note we will close at noon on the last day, the 29th August, but in the morning there will be a chance to meet some of the artists in the gallery space.
Curated by Tom Grey and Louisa Crispin
Featuring works by Jocelyn Bailey, Peps Barkhan, Ann Bridges, Sarah Cliff, Andrea Coltman, Louisa Crispin, Esther Ford, Martin Garwood, Justin Gilday, Leila Godden, Tom Grey, Kate Grimes, Amanda Hopkins, Maggie Kelham, Steven Knowles, Ibby Lanfear, Kevin Moore, Roz Newby, Rebecca Odessa, Dizzy Pragnell, Stefanie Smith, Franny Swann, and Rhea Thierstein
‘Spring Awakening (2011)’’ by Rhea Thierstein Installation view Vespid at Sevenoaks Kaleidoscope Gallery August 2026
Wednesday 5th August 6pm to 8pm in the gallery space.
Presentations: Join the Sevenoaks Visual Artists Forum members for an evening of short presentations by the participating artists, who will each talk about their work in a session led by curators Louisa Crispin and Tom Grey
Collage Workshop for all
Tuesday 11 August 1:30 – 3:30
Come and make your own wasp collage, all materials provided, in an open workshop led by Sarah Cliff, Louisa Crispin, and Tom Grey
Presentation: Can You Learn to Love Wasps?
Louisa Stefani
Saturday 22 August 11am
Louisa Stefani has just completed her BSc dissertation at UCL on wasps, and will be giving a short talk in the gallery space.
“Wasps have an image problem. Despite their ecological importance, many people fear or just generally dislike them, especially compared to bees. In this talk I will explore their importance for both humans and the environment and dispel common negative misconceptions. The hope is that you walk away with a new-found appreciation for and an understanding of wasps. Through my undergraduate research on reshaping public opinion of wasps, this talk will explore why exhibitions like this one are so important for changing public perceptions of disliked animals, encouraging positive behavioural change needed to tackle the biodiversity crisis.”
Saturday August 28 Please note we will close at noon on the last day, the 29th August, following a chance to meet some of the artists in the gallery space.
The SVAF Community Art Project 2026 Horsing Around Sevenoaks
From Tuesday July 7 in the New Mezzanine Exhibition Space
The Horsing Around Sevenoaks herd needs to grow.
JOIN IN Horsing Around Sevenoaks
Your pony or horse can be any shape or type of horse, not just the head. It can be multiples of small horses.
We can provide paper and templates, or you do your own thing. Pick up a horse template and return to the Mezzanine just outside the Gallery.
Email Ros and Sue at sevenoakskaleidoscope@gmail.com if you have a group aged 2 – 92 who would like to be involved.
Join in our Pony and Horse themed free artist led workshops
Thank you to all the families who horsed around at the Spring artist led workshops visit and find your horse or pony..
Why Horses and ponies?
It will weave together that 2026 is the Year of the Horse. The Kent County Council logo is a white horse. The relaunch of Explore your Kaleidoscope, a joyous fold out interactive leaflet aimed at guiding visitors of all ages around the 4 different levels of the building in an art treasure hunt. Including find the mischievous Kaleidoscope pony who is covered in your children’s drawings and the ‘hidden’ artworks commissioned by KCC at the 2007 opening of the new Kaleidoscope Library, Gallery and Museum. 2027 will be the 20th anniversary.
Thank you to all the SVAF artist for their Pony themed workshops on Saturdays and across the Easter break. Susanne Beard – horse painting, Christine Highlane– collage, Sarah Cliff- drawing and collage, Sue Evans- for her multiple pony surprise mornings, Wendy Steryn and Cliona Murphy
Thank you to Susanne Beard who ran the first off site workshop for Horsing Around Sevenoaks working with Forget-me-Not-Café. Thank you to other community contributors who have also worked with Susanne The Embroidery Club Otford, Sevenoaks Adult Social Services, Sevenoaks Town Council as part of their Vine Theatre Event, Sevenoaks Adult social services.
Sevenoaks Library Knit and Natter group are already Horsing Around Sevenoaks
If you run a group of any age 2 – 92 and would like to join in the fun. Email us: sevenoakskaleidoscope@gmail.com
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