St Mary’s Squared

From 6-𝟮1 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮7 we'll be hosting 𝘚𝘵 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘺'𝘴 𝘚𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥, a community art exhibition for the people of Newark. There are no age limits or other restrictions to join in. Just follow these simple guidelines...

- All entries must be submitted physically on a 8×8 inch canvas, frame or paper (these can be easily purchased from The Range, B&M or similar shops, or cut down to size).
- Entries can be drawings, paintings, sewing, photography - or anything that can fit onto a 8×8 inch canvas.
- The theme for artwork is "Our Place" and can be any interpretation of this theme.
- All entries must have the name and contact number of the entrant written clearly on the back (if you would like to title your work, then please write this clearly on the back).
- An electronic form should also be submitted here: https://stmarymagdalenewithstleonard.churchsuite.com/-/forms/avsjmmcr
- All entries must be submitted no later than Friday, 29th January 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟨 by 4pm and can be delivered to the vestry office on Church Walk.
- Artwork can be collected from 10am on Monday 1st March 2027, Monday-Friday 10-4. Any artwork not collected by 4pm on Friday 26th March will be disposed of.

We are so excited to see all of your entries!

Every place holds a story.

Some stories are found in the landscapes around us, in the changing seasons and the natural world we share. Others live in our memories, our everyday experiences and the connections we make with one another.

Our Place invites our local community to explore what makes a place special to them. It is a celebration of our surroundings, our shared histories, our personal experiences and the people who make a community what it is.

A place can be somewhere familiar, somewhere remembered, somewhere we belong or somewhere we dream of finding. It might be a much-loved view, a childhood memory, a favourite garden, a local landmark or simply the feeling of being at home.

Through art, we can share these different perspectives and discover how much we have in common.

What does “Our Place” mean to you?

We invite you to interpret the theme in your own way. Your work might explore:

• The place around us — local landscapes, gardens, wildlife, buildings, streets and favourite places.

• The people who make it — portraits, relationships, community life and shared experiences.

• The places we remember — childhood memories, local history, changing landscapes and stories passed between generations.

• The place we feel — belonging, identity, home, connection and personal journeys.

• The place we imagine — hopes for the future, dream landscapes or an imaginative interpretation of our surroundings.

• The natural world — seasonal changes, the beauty of nature and our relationship with the environment.

These are simply ideas to get you started. You don't need to illustrate the theme literally. We welcome unexpected interpretations, individual perspectives and creative experimentation.

Why this theme?

Following our first exhibition, Reawakening, we continue our creative journey by looking at the places, people and experiences that shape our lives.

Our community is made up of many different stories. This exhibition is an opportunity to bring those stories together, celebrate our surroundings and see our shared environment through fresh eyes.

Every artist has a different perspective. Every artwork adds another piece to the picture.

What can I submit?

We would like entrants to submit their art work on an 8inch x 8inch canvas. These are readily available and can be purchased from The Works and B&M among other places.

Join us

We warmly invite our community to take part, share their creativity and help us celebrate the place we call home.

Your place. Your story. Your perspective.

Together, let's celebrate Our Place.