The Abingdon Artists Autumn Exhibition runs from Tuesday 27 October to Saturday 31 October 2026 at Christchurch Barn, Northcourt Road, Abingdon.

I spoke to Caroline Harben, pictured here with three of her paintings. Each artist can exhibit up to three works, and the exhibition showcases a wide variety of styles and subjects, from abstract art to architectural scenes, all by local artists.

Caroline told me that the group has around 100 members and a waiting list. One of the ways members encourage interest in art is by meeting on Friday mornings, usually in the town centre, to draw and paint. This gives passers-by a chance to see the artists at work and find out more about the group.

The exhibition also includes a raffle, with a prize donated this year by Jonathan Leach. Tickets cost £1 each, with the money raised going to Sobell House, the local hospice.

Paintings of Abingdon are usually popular with buyers, and there were plenty to choose from. These included two contrasting views of the Abbey Gateway: one featuring a wedding car, while the other showed sheep – based on an old photograph. Shopfronts provide another source of inspiration. Among the paintings on display were views of Masons and Pedal Power.

I also met an Abingdon-based abstract artist who is actively promoting her work and building her profile and has a book about her artistic journey. She talked about conveying emotions through abstract art in a way she described as like music. Her work provided another example of the range of artists living locally.

Back in Abingdon after a few days away, and Art Weeks has arrived. There are the usual exhibitions around the town centre, and this year there’s a new venue across the road (from us) in West St Helen Street.

Illustrator and public artist Tom McLean has decorated his front room walls with colourful shapes made into birds, animals, fruit, and other concepts.

Tom was involved in the community art projects in South Abingdon last year. The playground previously known as Cotman Close Playground was given the name ‘Thameside Whizzer Park’ after children from nearby Thameside School were asked.

Artists in Residence at Abingdon Library brings local artists into the library where they can demonstrate their art and chat with visitors of all ages.

On Saturday 25 April, Studio Beckrah led a creative art session. Becka Comley and Sarah Frodsham Spooner run regular sessions on the last Tuesday of each month (7–9pm) at Paws & Play at Willows.

Today, Monday 27 April, Livio Lobo an active member of Abingdon Artists was painting a view of Trendell’s Folly from a photo. Livio is often out sketching around the town on Friday mornings with the Quick on the Draw group.

Coming up:

Tuesday 28 April (10:00–12:30)
Connie Addison – watercolour, sketching, landscapes

Friday 1 May (10:00–13:00)
Eleanor Howard – charcoals, pastels, landscapes

There are regularly changing displays in the library, ensuring there is always something new to see. Alongside recommended books selected by library staff, Abingdon Artists also feature a different artist each month.

This month’s featured artist is Valerie Dearlove, who describes herself as a self-taught “primitive” or “outsider” artist working in oil on canvas. Her style is direct and colurful, unconcerned with formal conventions. The painting currently on display in the library shows a woman breastfeeding.