Three Counties Open Art Exhibition 2026

30th Anniversary Creative Programme

8–29 August 2026 | Fenton Town Hall

Whether you're an exhibiting artist, a curious visitor, a family looking for creative activities, or someone discovering the exhibition for the first time, there's plenty of opportunity to get involved, make, explore, listen and connect. From storytelling and sensory experiences to printmaking, ceramics, photography, live music and late-night cultural events, our anniversary programme offers something for all ages and abilities.

All activities take place at Fenton Town Hall unless otherwise stated. Some events are free and drop-in, while others require advance booking. All bookable events or workshops are listed separately on this webpage - navigate back to What's On or Special Events or Workshops sections to find out more information and to book your space.

 

Launch Day

Saturday 8 August

Join us as we officially open the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition's special 30th anniversary year.

11am – Official Opening The Lord Mayor will officially open the exhibition, cutting the ribbon and sharing a few words to mark the occasion.

11am–3pm – DJ & MC Ben McManus Enjoy music throughout the day as DJ and MC Ben McManus brings energy and atmosphere to the celebrations.

11am–3pm – Mosaic Magic with Sally Fitchard A free drop-in workshop for all ages. Create colourful mosaic artwork using hand-painted clay pieces and help decorate a special collaborative artwork celebrating the exhibition's 30th anniversary.

11am–3pm – The Brush Man (TBC) Watch traditional brush-making demonstrations from craftsman David Jackson and discover the skills behind these beautifully handcrafted tools.

11am–3pm – Drop City Books Pop-Up Browse an inspiring selection of art and culture titles from Stoke-on-Trent's independent radical bookshop.

12pm – Gallery Tales: Stories Made Live Step into the world of the artworks through an immersive storytelling experience led by the New Vic Theatre Education Team as part of their 40 Stories @ 40 project.
Meet at the Welcome Desk. Duration approximately 25 minutes. Free.

1pm – Town Hall Choir Performance Experience the uplifting sounds of Restoke's Town Hall Choir in the Ballroom, led by Ukrainian choirmaster Oksana Demkiv and featuring beautiful polyphonic songs from Eastern Europe.

 

Open Late: EMOTION / RESPONSE

Thursday 13 August | 5.30pm–8pm

Curated by Kwanzaa Collective UK and Pilgrim Arts, the first of our Open Lates events explores themes from the exhibition's 30 Emotions strand and celebrates creative responses to the artworks on display.

The evening begins with an artist-led journey through the exhibition, where four artists share original spoken word, storytelling, visual and performance responses to selected works. The night continues with exclusive after-hours gallery access, live music from local artist Oluwa Miller, creative activities and a licensed bar.

Programme

• 5.30pm – Arrive in time for the 30 Emotions group photograph
• 5.45pm–6.45pm – Kwanzaa Collective: In Response (artist-led gallery journey)
• 6.30pm–8pm – After-hours exhibition access, live performance, creative drop-in activity and bar
• 8pm – Event ends

Booking required for the artist-led gallery journey;

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1994682979487?aff=oddtdtcreator

This event is supported by the Haggar Memorial Trust, the Raymond Williams Foundation and Chris & Valerie Ensor.

 

Guided Photography Walk

Saturday 15 August | 11am

Join Jenny and Isla from Wild Edge Arts (formerly Urban Wilderness CIC) for a guided photo walk exploring Fenton through the lens of a camera.

Capture details, stories and unexpected moments before returning to the exhibition to share and discuss your images. Bring your own camera or device, or borrow one of a limited number available on the day.

Advance booking recommended, but walk ups will be accepted on the day, should there be space;

Guided Photo Walk Booking

Sensory Story Time

Saturday 15 August & Saturday 29 August

11.45am – Music on the Moon
1.30pm – The Magic Cup

Join the New Vic Theatre Education Team for a magical 30-minute sensory storytelling experience designed especially for families.

Part of the theatre's 40 Stories @ 40 anniversary project, these relaxed sessions combine imagination, gentle adventure and sensory-rich exploration.

Free – advance booking required;

Sensory Story Time Booking

Colour, Pattern & Play: Still Life Painting with Louise Adams

Wednesday 19 August | 11.30am–3pm

Explore colour, pattern and composition in this inspiring workshop with artist Louise Adams.

Through playful drawing exercises and expressive still-life painting using gouache and ink, participants will create unique artworks inspired by ceramics, textiles, flowers and found objects.

Suitable for all abilities.
Advance booking required;

Workshops

Pot Dogs with Alice Thatcher

Saturday 22 August

Celebrate Stoke-on-Trent's ceramic heritage by creating your own playful ceramic companion inspired by the iconic Staffordshire Dog.

Participants will sculpt and decorate a unique clay figure reflecting their own interests, personality or story. Finished pieces will be professionally glazed and fired for collection after the exhibition.

Suitable for all ages and abilities.
Advance booking required;

Workshops

Exhibition Awards Evening

Saturday 22 August

Join us as we celebrate the artists selected for this year's exhibition and announce the 2026 award winners. More details to be announced.

 

Introduction to Linocut Printmaking with Gary Eite

Wednesday 26 August

Discover the satisfying art of linocut printmaking in this practical workshop inspired by the architecture and hidden details of Fenton Town Hall.

Led by printmaker Gary Eite, participants will learn to design, carve and print their own lino blocks using traditional techniques.

Suitable for beginners. Materials, refreshments and a take-home guide are included.
Advance booking required;

Workshops

Open Late 2

Thursday 27 August | 5pm–8pm

An evening of art, conversation and creativity featuring a special gallery tour with Terry Shave, live music and a licensed bar.

Origami Flowers with Tracey Cartlidge

Free Drop-In Workshop | 5pm–8pm

Learn the beautiful Japanese art of origami and create a collection of handcrafted paper flowers in a miniature vase.

A relaxing and mindful creative activity suitable for all abilities.

 

Closing Day Celebrations

Saturday 29 August

Join us for the final day of the exhibition and help us bring our 30th anniversary celebrations to a spectacular close.

Kite Making Workshop with Vaishnavi Potdar

11am–2.45pm

Create and decorate your own colourful kite before taking part in a special outdoor finale.

Giant Dragon Kite Launch

2.45pm

Gather outside as participants join together to launch a magnificent giant dragon kite, providing a memorable and uplifting conclusion to the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition 2026.

 

Plan Your Visit

Throughout August, visitors can enjoy one of the region's most exciting open exhibitions alongside a rich programme of creative experiences, performances and workshops.

Some activities are free and drop-in, while others require advance booking due to limited spaces.

We look forward to welcoming you to Fenton Town Hall to celebrate 30 years of the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition.

 

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