VESPID
5 August – 12 noon 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.
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
Design a Fairy Wasp
Inspired by images from Derek Binns Fairy wasps.
Microscopic, exotic, colourful fairy wasps can be seen through the View masters.
Be inspired, draw your own wasp to take home or hang in the exhibition.
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.”
Vespid PV and Artists in Conversation Wednesday September 5
Saturday August 29 Please note we will close at noon on the last day, following a chance to meet some of the artists in the gallery space between 10.
