Welcome to your local community arts centre
Our mission is to bring amazing art, live music and creative workshops to the South West. As a charity and multi-arts venue, we’ve been enriching the cultural life of our community for almost 30 years from a former historic church in the heart of Ilminster. Here, you can enjoy world-class musicians, wonderful art exhibitions and get as creative as you like in a wide range of art and craft classes for all abilities.
We also have a boutique shop, selling handmade gifts from local craft makers, and a scrumptious café famous for its cheese scones.
Performances
Multi-Award Winning Jazz saxophonist Karen Sharp is supported by the Craig Milverton trio, which includes the man himself on piano, plus Ashley John Long on bass and Coach York on drums.
Tickets £20
A 3 piece group re-creating the music of the Bee Gees. The band members perform classic harmonies featuring the unforgettable voice of Nick Lester on lead vocals as Barry Gibb.
Tickets £25
Pocket Sinfonia recreate the atmosphere of 19th-century living room parties, applying the intimacy of chamber music performance to orchestral-scale pieces.
Promoted by Concerts in the West.
Tickets: £18
Jemima Farey presents a wonderful evening of folk music and will be accompanied by invited folk bands The Farey Family and Arquebus Trio performing a mix of traditional folk and original songs.
Tickets: £16
A hilarious play starring Giles Shenton about boats and men behaving badly.
Tickets: £16
Ilminster Arts Centre is honoured to host the magnetic voice of Louise Parker, hailed a ‘totally genuine Jazz Performer’ by Les Tomkins of The Jazz Rag and exalted for her “Sweetly soulful jazz vocals” by Mike Flynn, Jazzwise Magazine.
Louise will be joined by pianist/organist Martin Jenkins and bass player John Donnelly.
Tickets: £20
An award winning pianist, we are delighted to welcome Lara Melda for the first time.
Promoted by Concerts in the West.
Tickets: £18
Moscow Drug Club are transcendent Troubadours of World Jazz and Folk. Combining their original material with songs by the likes of Jaques Brel, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen & Eartha Kitt, Moscow Drug Club deliver an intoxicating and intimate musical experience.
Tickets £20
Workshops
Explore your creativity, write more and have feedback.
Each week students are given themes in advance. The class Just write focuses on getting your stories written.
6-week course on Fridays: April 26, May 3, 24, 31, June 7, 14
10am - 12pm
Cost: £105 for 6 sessions
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Gain an insight into glass fusing in this 2-hour workshop.
Choose from prepared glass in a variety of colours, shapes and textures to create a beautiful vibrant or pastel 4-inch hanging hearts as a perfect gift for yourself or a loved one.
No cutting is necessary.
Cost: £45 (all materials included)
Cold wax is a versatile medium which is mixed with traditional oil paints and applied with unconventional tools, with not a paint brush in sight!
£55 plus £10 for specialist materials to tutor on the day.
Tutor: Bev Purdue
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
A Blackdown Edge Artists workshop.
Join 2023's overall winner of the Ilminster Open Exhibition to explore using oils to create atmospheric and expressive landscapes in this one day class.
Cost: £50
To book please ring 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Felt Making, wet or dry - all techniques available! Suitable for complete beginners or the more experienced.
All day workshop, 3rd Friday of the month.
10am - 3pm
Upcoming sessions: May 17, Jun 21, Jul 19
Cost: £30 per session
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
PART OF THE BLACKDOWN EDGE ARTISTS' EXHIBITION
This pastel workshop is ideal for beginners as well as more experienced artists to learn different techniques of how to create vibrant colour and light effects for all types of paintings.
At the time of this workshop, tutor Alexandra Lavizzari will be exhibiting in the Blackdown Edge Artist’s exhibition.
TUTOR: Alexandra Lavizzari
Cost: £50
To book, please ring: 01460 54973
Gain an insight into glass fusing in this 2-hour workshop.
Participants will create an exquisite transparent fused glass circlet measuring 4 inches which sparkles in the sun both indoors and outside.
An assortment of blue, turquoise and crystal clear glass will be prepared for you to choose from to make a unique piece of fused glass.
No cutting is necessary.
Cost: £45 (all materials included)
Our willow obelisk course is perfect for anyone looking to add a unique and natural look to their outdoor space.
You will learn how to craft your own willow obelisk using locally sourced willow.
Cost: £40 (all materials included)
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
An Ideal follow on from the Introduction to Oil and Cold Wax Painting Workshop.
This workshop will explore shapes, tone, lines and colour relationships and preferred palette and look at ways in which you can present your finished works of art to express more of your individual style!
£62 plus £10 for specialist materials to tutor on the day.
Tutor: Bev Purdue
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Acrylic classes over 6 sessions - all levels welcome with Juliet Farnese
6 week course: June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3, 10
Wednesdays 9:45am - 1pm
£105 for 6 sessions
To book, contact Juliet directly on: 07920 133 358 or email: julietfarnese@gmail.com
Learn to paint gorgeous, illustrative floral pictures in acrylics in these monthly sessions suitable for beginners. Let your imagination flow as you explore a loose and expressive style.
Cost: £95 for 6 weeks
June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3, 10
1 - 3pm
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Linda Hampson’s ever popular pastel workshops.
6-week course on Thursdays: June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 4, 11
10am - 1pm
£90 for 6 sessions
To book please ring 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Art journaling is a process of collage, writing & drawing.
A mindful class that allows you to experiment and try new things to create a wonderful book of memories to enjoy for years.
6 sessions: June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 4, 11
Thursdays, 1.30pm - 3pm
Cost: £95 for 6 sessions
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
In this 2-hour workshop you will create four panels to replace the glass in a 20cm high lantern. Each panel measures 5cm x 13cm. and a selection of prepared glass will be available for you to create your own floral design. No cutting will be necessary.
You will be shown how to fix the glass into your lantern after it has been fused. A battery operated tealight is included.
Cost: £60 (all materials included)
Watercolour classes with tutor Nicky Clarke
Tuesdays: June 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23
Morning session: 10 - 12pm
Afternoon session: 1pm - 3pm
£15 per session
To book, contact Nicky directly on: 01460 281773 or email randnclarke@hotmail.co.uk
Gain an insight into glass fusing in this 2-hour workshop.
Choose from prepared glass in a variety of colours, shapes and textures to create a beautiful vibrant or pastel 4-inch hanging hearts as a perfect gift for yourself or a loved one.
No cutting is necessary.
Cost: £45 (all materials included)
Our willow obelisk course is perfect for anyone looking to add a unique and natural look to their outdoor space.
You will learn how to craft your own willow obelisk using locally sourced willow.
Cost: £40 (all materials included)
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Explore writing flash fiction, the shortest of short story forms, weighing in at under one thousand words, and often under five hundred words.
6-week course on Fridays: June 28, July 5, 12, 26, August 2, 9
10am - 12pm
Cost: £105 for 6 sessions
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Step into the colourful world of acrylics! Join us for an exciting workshop titled "Exploring Acrylic Techniques".
June 29
10.30am - 2.30pm
cost: £35
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Gain an insight into glass fusing in this 2-hour workshop.
Participants will create an exquisite transparent fused glass circlet measuring 4 inches which sparkles in the sun both indoors and outside.
An assortment of blue, turquoise and crystal clear glass will be prepared for you to choose from to make a unique piece of fused glass.
No cutting is necessary.
Cost: £45 (all materials included)
The workshop begins with a discussion of the energy powering a clockwork torch, and participants then make an elastic band toy and investigate the factors affecting their working. Children use junior hacksaws.
Age 5-7
Cost: £10
To book please contact: 01460 54973 or workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
An Ideal follow on from the Introduction to Oil and Cold Wax Painting Workshop.
This workshop will explore shapes, tone, lines and colour relationships and preferred palette and look at ways in which you can present your finished works of art to express more of your individual style!
£62 plus £10 for specialist materials to tutor on the day.
Tutor: Bev Purdue
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Step into the colourful world of acrylics! Join us for an exciting workshop titled "Exploring Acrylic Techniques".
July 27
10.30am - 2.30pm
cost: £35
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Linda Hampson’s popular summer ‘coloured pencil’ workshops
5-week course August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Thursdays, 10am - 3pm
Cost: £75 for 5 sessions
To book, please ring 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Acrylics - Experimenting with Colour, Composition and new Techniques
4-week course on August 6, 13, 20, 27
Tuesday 9.45am - 1.00pm
cost: £75 plus £15 for materials
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Cold wax is a versatile medium which is mixed with traditional oil paints and applied with unconventional tools, with not a paint brush in sight!
£55 plus £10 for specialist materials to tutor on the day.
Tutor: Bev Purdue
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
An Ideal follow on from the Introduction to Oil and Cold Wax Painting Workshop.
This workshop will explore shapes, tone, lines and colour relationships and preferred palette and look at ways in which you can present your finished works of art to express more of your individual style!
£62 plus £10 for specialist materials to tutor on the day.
Tutor: Bev Purdue
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Exhibitions
Somerset Creative Textiles present: The Nature of Textiles - a themed exhibition that will include new work as well as showcasing members’ huge range of creative skills in the medium of textiles.
April 2 - April 27 Tues - Sat 9.30am - 3pm
Entry is free - Cafe on site.
On the final day the exhibition will close at 1pm
Somerset Creative Textiles present: The Nature of Textiles - a themed exhibition that will include new work as well as showcasing members’ huge range of creative skills in the medium of textiles.
April 2 - April 27 Tues - Sat 9.30am - 3pm
Entry is free - Cafe on site.
On the final day the exhibition will close at 1pm
Summertime & the Living is Easy - return of the Yeovil Art Group.
A mixed group of artists covering several forms - it will be as previously an exhibition that offers something for everyone to enjoy
April 30 - May 18 Tuesday - Saturday 9.30am - 3pm
Please note on the final day the exhibition will close at 1pm
On site Arts Cafe.
Blackdown Edge Artists
Six artists to include ceramics and mixed media painters exhibiting at the Arts Centre as a group for the first time.
May 21 - June 7 on the final day the exhibition will end at 3pm
Entrance is free, opening hours 9.30am - 3pm
Cafe on site.
Creative Coverage - is a professional organisation that seeks to promote artists of all genres from around the country. Bringing them together to exhibit at the Arts Centre.
Exhibition runs from July 9 - August 3 closing at 1pm on the final day.
Open Tues - Saturday 9.30am - 3pm
Cafe on site.
Ilminster Arts Centre 2021 Exhibitions
Snapshot of exhibitions hosted in the Gallery at the Arts Centre in recent months.
News
Artists throughout the South West are invited to showcase their talents at this year's highly anticipated Ilminster Open Exhibition. The Gallery at Ilminster Arts Centre will host the event from June 11 to July 5, 2024
Your Blue Token Matters! Ilminster Arts Centre is nominated for Tesco Community Fund and hopes to provide a summer of creativity for local children.
Ilminster Arts Centre is inviting talented artists to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship. In a quest to enrich our vibrant Arts Centre shop, we are on the lookout for 2 or 3 exceptional artist card makers to join our community of artisans.
The popular Christmas Craft Show at Ilminster Arts Centre is on display in the Gallery until Friday, 22 December, providing a great opportunity to get that perfect present for yourself or loved ones.
To celebrate the festivities, Ilminster Arts Centre has unveiled the winners of its Children's Christmas Card Competition, with the winning cards now on sale in the arts centre’s gift shop until Christmas
We’ve got a packed programme of festive fun for all leading up to Christmas. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Bryony Tidball has been appointed as the new manager for Ilminster Arts Centre.
As the days shorten and the nights get colder, rest assured that a warm welcome awaits you this autumn at Ilminster Arts Centre.
As a renowned venue for top class live music, Ilminster Arts Centre presents a galaxy of star performers this autumn.
We’ve got a packed programme of concerts for music lovers this September, with cut-price tickets for students and free entry for 12 year-olds and under.
There are not many cultural venues in the area that offer such choice and variety as Ilminster Arts Centre. Come and visit this summer to experience top-class performances, workshops and exhibitions.
Paintings of oystercatchers and gannets by artist Sue Allen have won the Visitors' Choice Award as part of Ilminster Art Centre's Annual Open Exhibition.
This summer Ilminster Arts Centre offers a season of sensory delights with top quality art exhibitions for all to see, craft workshops for all abilities, concerts to suit all musical tastes and dramatic performances to capture the imagination.
The winning artists have been announced for this year's Ilminster Open Exhibition, which attracted a record number of entries.
We have appointed Julie Manley as the new Chair of our Board of Trustees. Read on to find out more about her.
Ilminster Arts Centre is supporting six new local craft makers by displaying their products in the art centre's refreshed gift shop, alongside 90 other local makers.
May at the Arts Centre brings a whole host of live music, exhibitions and workshops. And artists, don’t forget to get your entries in for our annual Open Exhibition!
A new play about a pioneering Exmoor woman, and one of the region's most fascinating characters, is to be performed at Ilminster Arts Centre on Saturday, 15 April.
Booking concert tickets at Ilminster Arts Centre has never been easier, following the introduction of a new online reservation system for performances from April onwards.
Artists in the South West are invited to enter this year's Ilminster Open Exhibition, with the opportunity to win cash prizes and have their work displayed in the prestigious Gallery at Ilminster Arts Centre from 23 May to 16 June 2023.
There's another fantastic line-up of concerts, art exhibitions and workshops to look forward to at the Ilminster Arts Centre in March.
February at the Ilminster Arts Centre is packed full of live music, original art workshops and top-class exhibitions.
Ilminster Arts Centre has teamed up with Somerset Art Works (SAW) to present a compelling exhibition which reflects the creative responses of leading local artists to the challenges of the Covid-caused Lockdowns.
Some of the best creative talent around is showcased every day at Ilminster Arts Centre, so why not pop in and bring friends and family too? Find out more here.
Friday nights in Ilminster have become renowned for high quality live music - and this summer is no exception as the arts centre offers performances to suit all tastes.
Artists in the South West are being invited to enter this year's Ilminster Open Exhibition, with the chance to win cash prizes and have their work displayed in the prestigious Gallery at Ilminster Arts Centre from 12 July to 5 August.
Ilminster Arts Centre and a local sculptor have teamed up to use the power of art to raise funds for the people of Ukraine, following Russia's invasion.