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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Sevenoaks Kaleidoscope Art Gallery
Vessels For Unmet Needs
24 September – 17 October 2026
Franny Swann Melissa Hill Venetia Nevill
‘Vessels for Unmet Needs’ brings together the work of Venetia Nevill, Melissa Hill and Franny Swann. They have investigated different methods and materials, in their common quest to find a visual language, and expression for the neglected, overlooked, and uncomfortable. Their contrasting and complimentary work in glass, paint and clay, engages with political, social, ecological and personal landscapes.
This exhibition explores the notion of a vessel as both an object, a void, and a container capable of healing and providing a safe space. They give voice to these elusive personal and collective unmet needs, and hope it will offer inspiration, and pathways to bring reconciliation and healing in the face of an uncertain world.
Venetia will be at the gallery with clay and cedar to engage with visitors throughout the show, creating and expanding the Mandala of Hope.
There will be an interactive performance at the Artist Talk Wednesday 7 October 6-8 and the Private View.
Franny Swann
Franny Swann is a contemporary painter currently working on a series of ‘Meditation’ paintings contemplating ageing, grief and the loss of close friends and family.
Informed by the work of 18th century Spanish still life artists and the concept of the ‘Vanitas’ painting, Franny’s work reflects this new unasked for phase of life whilst offering the vessel as container of overwhelming emotions. Instagram @frannyswannartist
Melissa Hill
Melissa Hill, works in stained glass and based in North Yorkshire, is interested in Relational Aesthetics exploring human behaviour arising from power dynamics and imbalances. Her series of six stained glass vases called ‘Human Arrangements’ attempt to illustrate how people struggle to thrive either within or outside a relationship with others. Instagram @millissahillartist
Venetia Nevill
Venetia Nevill’s engagement with the healing potential of clay has led to the creation of earth paintings, vessels and her collaborative ‘Mandala of Hope’ where the small clay vessels moulded by friends on cedar cones represent individual expressions of unmet needs. The elemental somatic quality of clay can help retrieve and integrate the lost parts of ourselves that can remain below the level of consciousness.Instagram @venetianevill
Melissa will be offering a free workshop Other Arrangements on the last Saturday 17 October 1 – 3 Suitable for teens, adults and accompanied children 8+ All materials provided.
Artists Melissa Hill and Kat Hill will guide you on a journey of “creative generosity” taking you from concept to collaboration, laying the foundation for original self expression in just 15 minutes.
The process is inspired by the spark and artistic evolution that resulted in three very different bodies of work now being brought together in the Vessels For Unmet Needs show. Melissa originally created Other Arrangements for the York Festival of Ideas in 2025, collaborating with poet Becca Drake.
For the Kaleidoscope Gallery, Hastings-based artist Kat Hill will be demonstrating how she draws on her synesthesia (experiencing sound as colour) to compose original music.
Suitable for ages 16+. Children aged 8+ may participate accompanied by a supporting adult. Materials supplied, but please bring your own favourite medium, even if it’s a musical instrument, digital, movement or performance.
The Mezzanine Exhibition Space
Original prints by Carole Aston
Now – 17 October
Carole is showing a collection of prints created over the last few years, including linocuts, drypoints and gelliprints.
Instagram: @caroleastonart
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..
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