Claire Struthers-Semple is passionate about the community and building interactions between people of different ages through art
City Arts is a place where people can come together and enjoy Art in a friendly community.
It is designed to be truly inclusive in bringing people together and supporting the creative wellbeing of our community.
It is an independent community art hub in the heart of Newbury was created in 2015 by Claire Struthers-Semple and Isabel Carmona with the aim of providing a friendly and welcoming place to learn, share, teach, collaborate, and exhibit art.
They are proud of their involvement in the community and run seasonal free and low-cost events.
Their flagship Chalkfest event takes place every August –they take over the Market Square in Newbury and enjoy brightening up the pavement!
A competition of the chalk drawings is judged by a local artist with prizes for different age groups.
With their commitment to the community, they have a strong ethos of equality and inclusion.
This is reflected in the work they are involved in and why their fundraising is so important:
- They support vulnerable youths in the community by providing community work for them
- They run low cost and free events like Chalkfest, Applefest, Mandala Day, Graffiti Mural Competition and Wall Hanging Day
- They provide a space for local artists, craftspeople and students to exhibit their work
- They work with people encouraging communication through art and creativity
- They work with and support local independent small businesses
Their Community Hub Cafe is open regularly Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm, with cakes baked by local bakers alongside great barista coffee and a selection of high-quality teas.
A Celebration of Combe | A celebration of David and Lady Mary Russell’s Evenings at Combe, from the artists who regularly performed there
A Long Winter Landscape: | Join Sarah to complete a seasonal cycle of textile artworks on this two day class.
A Salute to The Fallen | At the invitation of Hungerford Town Council D-Day 80th Anniversary Convoy 2024
A Taste of Italy | Italian food is the ultimate social food, and what could be better than gathering a group of friends or family around the table for homemade Italian specialities.
A Taste of Italy | Italian food is the ultimate social food, and what could be better than gathering a group of friends or family around the table for homemade Italian specialities.
A Taste of Italy | Italian food is the ultimate social food, and what could be better than gathering a group of friends or family around the table for homemade Italian specialities.
A Taste of Italy | Italian food is the ultimate social food, and what could be better than gathering a group of friends or family around the table for homemade Italian specialities.
Acrylic Pouring Beginners. In this hands on workshop in abstract fluid acrylic pouring, Caroline will demonstrate how to prepare acrylic paint for pouring.
Alinde Quintet | he Alinde Quintet, a prizewinning ensemble at the Carl Nielsen Chamber Music Competition in Copenhagen in 2023 and a rising star ensemble of Czech chamber music will bring an all-Czech programme to the Festival.
All Things Fish | Know what great fish looks like?
Mixed Media Botanical Books | A fun day playing with a variety of low-tech printing and transfer methods to create simple books exploring the theme of leaves, plants & seedheads.
Paper Cut Festive Cards and Scenes | This one-day, onsite workshop is suitable for complete beginners and those wishing to refresh.
Stained Glass Copper Foil Lanterns | Make a colourful stained glass lantern using copper foil.
Ballet Central | Experience the magic of live ballet, right on your doorstep as the Ballet Central tour performs at the Newbury Spring Festival in 2024.
Barbecues Made Easy | We all love to throw a sausage on the ‘barbie’ but if you are up for more than this, join them to learn how to prepare in advance for a barbecue.
Barbecues Made Easy | We all love to throw a sausage on the ‘barbie’ but if you are up for more than this, join them to learn how to prepare in advance for a barbecue.
Barbecues Made Easy | We all love to throw a sausage on the ‘barbie’ but if you are up for more than this, join them to learn how to prepare in advance for a barbecue.
Barbecues Made Easy | We all love to throw a sausage on the ‘barbie’ but if you are up for more than this, join them to learn how to prepare in advance for a barbecue.
Barbecues Made Easy | We all love to throw a sausage on the ‘barbie’ but if you are up for more than this, join them to learn how to prepare in advance for a barbecue.
Bats at the Museum | A walk by local bat expert James Shipman. Did you know bats can live for up to 30 years? James explains where they live, how they fly in the dark, and why they are so important and protected by law.
BBQ Workshop | Enjoy a hands-on workshop with their expert butchers and a delicious evening BBQ in their garden.
Beautiful Breads | Romilla Arber has been baking bread for many years and is passionate about real bread, made traditionally
Beef Wellington | Beef Wellington |Join them to create this classic dish, that will soon become a firm favourite
Beef Wellington |Join them to create this classic dish, that will soon become a firm favourite
Bird Walk Around Thatcham Lakes | A wonderful setting for a bird walk. They will look for our fascinating winter migrants and all year residents.
Introduction to Bread and Enriched Doughs | Learn the basics with them, and before you know it you’ll be making classic and modern breads, from traditional soda bread to shortbread
Calligraphy | Italic is the most popular calligraphic script owing to its flowing nature and adaptability for expressive works.
Calefax Reed Quintet |Calefax, inventors of a completely new genre – the reed quintet – is a close-knit ensemble of five reed players united by a shared passion.
Burgers and Bubbles | A fun evening where you’ll create the ultimate burger, served classically on a brioche bap, with relish, chips, onion rings and a choice of beer or Champagne.
Calligraphy Gothic Batarde Hand | There are many variations of Gothic hand (of which Batarde is one) that can be full of rhythm and very lively even though it appears static.
Introduction to Bread and Enriched Doughs | Learn the basics with them, and before you know it you’ll be making classic and modern breads, from traditional soda bread to shortbread
Chaat Food Truck | They are very excited to host a series of Indian Street Food Pop-ups at Cobbs with the fantastic Chaat Food Truck
Cheese Tasting | Take your tastebuds and an appetite for cheese & wine!
Childrens Arts Festival | An action-packed day of fun hands-on arts activities for 3- to 11-year-olds.
Chaat Food Truck | They are very excited to host a series of Indian Street Food Pop-ups at Cobbs with the fantastic Chaat Food Truck
Chaat Food Truck | They are very excited to host a series of Indian Street Food Pop-ups at Cobbs with the fantastic Chaat Food Truck
Come and Sing Evensong | Come and Sing with other local choir members and musicians for this special Festival Evensong at St. John’s Church under the direction of Janet Coxwell and Steve Bowey.
Commemorating D Day | To commemorate the 80th anniversary year of D-Day West Berkshire Museum will be screening Working in Shadows, an archive film of workers at Elliotts of Newbury during the Second World War.
Crazy Diamond | Crazy Diamond plays and pays tribute to the music of Pink Floyd.
Curry Night | Join this fantastic cookery course, where you will learn some robust techniques for making Indian and Thai curries.
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