To coincide with the Gallery reopening, we are excited to present a major solo exhibition of new work by artist Emma Richardson. Spanning the gallery’s entire east wing, this show features a striking series of oil paintings that delve into the themes of desire, transcendence, and the sublime through a distinctly female lens. Known for her visceral use of paint and layered surfaces, Richardson creates large-scale, seductive works that blur the boundaries between the bodily and the celestial. Her immersive visual world draws on baroque drama, sci-fi atmosphere, influences ranging from writer Annie Ernaux to female surrealist artists, and her own lived experience as a touring musician. This exhibition holds particular significance in Southampton, where Richardson was born and lived for much of her life. A regular visitor to the Gallery, Richardson has selected works from the city’s collection, to be shown alongside her own, highlighting both the influence and relevance of specific artists, and creating a dialogue between contemporary and historic voices.

This display will showcase a selection of the most exciting artworks that have been acquired into the city’s collection since the Gallery closed for refurbishment at the beginning of 2025. Among the works on display will be a sketch by 19th-century French artist Édouard Vuillard, a screenprint by Elisabeth Frink and a series of works by Julian Grater that were acquired after Arctic Mirage, his recent exhibition at the Gallery. From 7 March to 30 May, Ian Giles’ immersive installation Everyone Involved will be on display as part of this celebration of new acquisitions. Originally commissioned by ‘a space arts’, it was shown at God’s House Tower, Southampton, in 2024 and has been acquired by Southampton City Art Gallery with Art Fund support. Everyone Involved centres around a 4-channel film featuring ‘A Gay Song’, which is heralded as the first LGBTQIA+ protest song recorded onto vinyl in 1972. In 2024, Giles reformed the original band to re-record the song 52 years after its inception. The resulting film is shown alongside monumental wall hangings made by the artist from vintage fabrics and found textiles, which he then embellished with hand-painted archival cartoons, highlighting the joyful creativity of the gay rights movement.

This exhibition will bring together a selection of works on paper that have been digitised and made available online during the Gallery’s temporary closure, as part of the Arts Council England supported Unlocking Collections project. The display will feature a range of media, with paper as the main support, including watercolour, drawing, prints and photography. ​Due to their light-sensitive nature, many of these works cannot be frequently displayed, and some have not been exhibited for many years. Preparatory sketches will also be shown alongside final paintings, including several drawings and plans for In the Park (St James’s) by Malcolm Drummond, offering a fascinating insight into an artist’s creative process. ​

Join fine artist and experienced tutor, Emma Morrissey at this creative and satisfying workshops, taking inspiration from the exhibition with a walk around Emma Richardson’s exhibition ‘_Levitate Me_‘, we will create beautiful paintings in watercolour & pastels, capturing emotion & contrast. All materials are provided for this workshop. CANCELLATIONS In the unlikely event that we cancel a session, we will offer a full refund. Unfortunately tickets are otherwise non-refundable. Please contact us if you wish to transfer your ticket to a friend if you cannot attend for any reason. If you have any questions about the event please contact us at [email protected] or give us a ring at 023 8083 4536.

Join artist Debra Marsh to experiment with different art styles and materials in a fun and accessible way. A great way to encourage your child’s creativity without making a mess at home. Mini Monets dates for Summer 2026 are: 30 May 27 June [https://southamptonmuseumsandgallery.co.uk/events/mini-monets-june2026/] 25 July [https://southamptonmuseumsandgallery.co.uk/events/mini-monets-july2026/] You can book for each session individually or receive a discounted price when booking all three. If you would like to book for a different date to that on this page, please click on a date in the list above or go back to our main events page to browse. CANCELLATIONS In the unlikely event of our having to cancel a session, we will offer a full refund. Unfortunately tickets are otherwise non-refundable. Please contact us if you wish to transfer your ticket to a friend if you cannot attend for any reason. If you have any questions about the event please contact us at [email protected] or call us on 023 8083 4536.

Take time out for yourself, switch off your phone and slow down at this creative group for grown-ups. Each month, the group will work with a different point of inspiration and explore different media with a focus on experimentation and exploration. All materials are provided. Dates for summer 2026 are as follows: 30 May 27 June [https://southamptonmuseumsandgallery.co.uk/events/art-club-for-adults-june2026/] 25 July [https://southamptonmuseumsandgallery.co.uk/events/art-club-for-adults-july2026/] You can book for each session individually or receive a discounted price when booking all three. If you would like to book for a different date to that on this page, please click on a date in the list above or go back to our main events page to browse. CANCELLATIONS In the unlikely event that we cancel a session, we will offer a full refund. Unfortunately tickets are otherwise non-refundable. Please contact us if you wish to transfer your ticket to a friend if you cannot attend for any reason. If you have any questions about the event please contact us at [email protected] or give us a ring at 023 8083 4536.

Work at your own pace with individual feedback and tuition on hand from Peter at these relaxed and friendly sessions. You are welcome to bring your own materials, although we will supply the basics. Suitable for all levels of experience except absolute beginners to drawing. These sessions run from 11am – 4pm with a short break for lunch. Dates for summer 2026 are as follows: 2 May [https://southamptonmuseumsandgallery.co.uk/events/life-drawing-may2026/] 6 June 4 July [https://southamptonmuseumsandgallery.co.uk/events/life-drawing-july2026/] 1 August [https://southamptonmuseumsandgallery.co.uk/events/life-drawing-august2026/] If you would like to book for a different date to that on this page, please click on a date in the list above or go back to our main events page to browse. CANCELLATIONS In the unlikely event that we cancel a session, we will offer a full refund. Unfortunately tickets are otherwise non-refundable. Please contact us if you wish to transfer your ticket to a friend if you cannot attend for any reason. If you have any questions about the event please contact us at [email protected] or call us on 023 8083 4536.

Join Southampton based artist Alex Sutherland to experiment with different art materials and ideas and have some fun! Each monthly session we will take our inspiration from the artwork on display an our collection. Adults are welcome to drop their child off or to stay for these sessions. You can book for each session individually or receive a discounted price when booking all four. If you would like to book for a different date to that on this page, please click on a date in the list below or go back to our main events page to browse. Dates for summer 2026 are as follows: 9 May [https://southamptonmuseumsandgallery.co.uk/events/young-ones-may2026/] 13 June 11 July [https://southamptonmuseumsandgallery.co.uk/events/young-ones-july2026/] 8 August [https://southamptonmuseumsandgallery.co.uk/events/young-ones-august2026/] CANCELLATIONS In the unlikely event that we cancel a session, we will offer a full refund. Unfortunately tickets are otherwise non-refundable. Please contact us if you wish to transfer your ticket to a friend if you cannot attend for any reason. If you have any questions about the event please contact us at [email protected] or call us on 023 8083 4536 (emails and phones are staffed weekdays 9am-5pm).

Take inspiration from Emma Richardson’s exhibition, Levitate Me and create your own mixed media pieces with acrylic paint, inks and collage. With guidance from experienced artist and teacher, Abi Kremer, you will also consider and explore thrilling, impactful visuals from your own experience and take these on an experimental journey. Bring a photo or object that originates from natural form (could be flowers/shells/rocks) to use as a starting point. The day will begin with an opportunity to sketch in Emma Richardson’s exhibition, and continue in the Gallery workshop. You may be surprised by your outcome! All art materials are provided, but you may wish to take your sketchbook into the exhibition. CANCELLATIONS In the unlikely event that we cancel a session, we will offer a full refund. Unfortunately tickets are otherwise non-refundable. Please contact us if you wish to transfer your ticket to a friend if you cannot attend for any reason. If you have any questions about the event please contact us at [email protected] or give us a ring at 023 8083 4536.

What’s better than a capybara? A clay capybara that you made yourself! Join us here at the Gallery to design and build your own clay sculpture. And why not pop up to the Gallery to explore the sculptures on display while you’re here? Can’t make the date? This session is so good we’re doing it twice! It’s on Monday 10 August too! Please note, we will work with terracotta earthenware clay and allow it to dry naturally. If you are an adult wanting to join in, please just purchase a participating adult ticket. If you are just there to support your child, that’s fine too – just book an accompanying adult ticket so we know how many people to expect. All people under the age of 16 years old must be accompanied.

Love Clay? Love Stitch? Come along, have some fun and make your very own stitch to take home! Did you know adults are welcome to take part too? Just purchase a ‘participant’ ticket below. If you are keeping a young person company, just book a free accompanying adult ticket. All people under the age of 16 years old must be accompanied.

Enjoy creating your own worlds away from a screen and this relaxed and creative workshop! We will work with card, paper and more to make a minature 3D world, complete with creepers, villagers and whatever else you fancy. No two will be alike! Please bring a shoe box or similar to carry your work home. Please note: Our Art for All sessions are for adults too! If you want to join in, please do purchase a ticket. If you are there to accompany your young people please just book a free accompanying adult ticket. Under 16s must be accompanied. Cancellations: In the unlikely event that we cancel a session, we will offer a full refund. Unfortunately tickets are otherwise non-refundable. Please contact us if you wish to transfer your ticket to a friend if you cannot attend for any reason.

Join artist Debra Marsh to experiment with different art styles and materials in a fun and accessible way. A great way to encourage your child’s creativity without making a mess at home.

Take time out for yourself, switch off your phone and slow down at this creative group for grown-ups. Each month, the group will work with a different point of inspiration and explore different media with a focus on experimentation and exploration. All materials are provided.

Work at your own pace with individual feedback and tuition on hand from Peter at these relaxed and friendly sessions. You are welcome to bring your own materials, although we will supply the basics. Suitable for all levels of experience except absolute beginners to drawing. These sessions run from 11am – 4pm with a short break for lunch.

Join Southampton based artist Alex Sutherland to experiment with different art materials and ideas and have some fun! Each monthly session we will take our inspiration from the artwork on display an our collection. Adults are welcome to drop their child off or to stay for these sessions. You can book for each session individually or receive a discounted price when booking all four. If you would like to book for a different date to that on this page, please click on a date in the list below or go back to our main events page to browse. Dates for summer 2026 are as follows: 9 May 13 June 11 July 8 August

Join textile artist and teacher Mary Eynon to try your hand at batik. Inspired by ocean forms and the movement of water, we can create a batik fabric piece of art and decorated with inks. This could be transformed into a scarf or a decorative wall piece.’ All levels of experience are welcome and all materials are provided. Please do bring a plastic / waterproof bag to take your work home in. Inspired by walking and the landscape, Mary captures her environment through a variety of mediums to express the natural beauty of her surroundings. She says, “_My practice is about my entire being and what it means to be me, embracing my desire to explore and discover._” She aims to convey the senses and feelings felt while walking and immersed in the landscape. Much of her work is open to the viewer to feel the tactile qualities so the imagery is no longer a personal aspect.

Learn how to capture the likeness of an individual in the inspirational environment of Southampton Art Gallery. Open to all levels of ability from beginner to experienced artist, you’ll be supported and encouraged to develop your individual style of portrait drawing. Please note, this workshop takes place up in the Gallery, so unfortunately refreshments will not be available. There will be a short break for lunch. You are welcome to bring something with you to have in our foyer area or pop to the cafe, where you’ll receive a 10 percent discount.

Join experienced artist & tutor Emma Morrissey for our new series of workshops to take inspiration from the paintings on display in a walk around the Gallery. At this practical workshop, you will learn the basics of shape & form to create Lowry inspired cityscapes of Britain. Learn the process of mapping out form using his infamous ‘matchstick men’, about gestural line, composition & colour using charcoal & chalk.

Join award winning printmaker Katherine Anteney to develop your linocut skills and create your own edition of prints. Starting with simple black and white linocuts to explore the mark making possibilities this technique offers, we will then move on to colour reduction printing. Ideal for beginners and improvers alike. This course will run 10am – 4.30pm daily with a short break for lunch. You are welcome to bring some food with you or to pop out. Full joining information will be sent out at least a week in advance, but all materials are provided.

Kick off the summer with the first of our hands-on messy Art for All workshops. Take inspiration from the natural world and print a scaly tailed pangolin! We will design and print with a polytile printing block onto gorgeous collaged forest backgrounds. Did you know adults are welcome to take part too? Just purchase a ‘participant’ ticket below. If you are keeping a young person company, just book a free accompanying adult ticket. All people under the age of 16 years old must be accompanied.

Join artist Debra Marsh to experiment with different art styles and materials in a fun and accessible way. A great way to encourage your child’s creativity without making a mess at home. Mini Monets dates for Summer 2026 are: 30 May 27 June 25 July You can book for each session individually or receive a discounted price when booking all three. If you would like to book for a different date to that on this page, please click on a date in the list above or go back to our main events page to browse.

Take time out for yourself, switch off your phone and slow down at this creative group for grown-ups. Each month, the group will work with a different point of inspiration and explore different media with a focus on experimentation and exploration. All materials are provided. Dates for summer 2026 are as follows: 30 May 27 June 25 July You can book for each session individually or receive a discounted price when booking all three (please see the May 2026 listing for the discounted ticket). If you would like to book for a different date to that on this page, please click on a date in the list above or go back to our main events page to browse.