Get expert feedback on your art – book a free one-on-one portfolio review in our Portfolio Surgery morning sessions.

Are you an artist looking for expert feedback on your work? Book a one-on-one session at our free Artist Portfolio Surgery, where an established artist and industry expert will provide constructive feedback and professional guidance.

This is a rare opportunity to gain valuable insights, refine your practice, and take your work to the next level.

Sessions are only available for individual artists and not groups.

Experts of the surgery:

Elsa James – Elsa James is a British African-Caribbean interdisciplinary, research-based artist and activist. She grew up in London and has lived and worked in Essex since 1999.

In 2024, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Essex in recognition of her work from 2018 to 2022, exploring the Essex identity and advocating for the overlooked and misunderstood aspects of the county’s past and present.

Her work is held in private and public collections, including the UK Government Art Collection and Beecroft Art Gallery, where she became the first Black British artist to be acquired for the gallery’s collection. In 2022, she was named one of the 50 Most Influential People in Essex. She currently has a solo exhibition named It Should Not Be Forgotten at Firstsite.

Graham Crowley – In 1982 Graham Crowley became Artist in Residence to Oxford University and a visiting fellow of St Edmund Hall. From 1986 until 1989 Graham was appointed Artist in Residence and Senior Fellow at Cardiff Art School.

It wasn’t until 1998 that Crowley took a ‘regular job’ as Head of Department and Professor of Painting at the Royal College of Art. 

 ‘One important aspect of my career as a painter* was the John Moores Painting Prize. I entered at least 16 times, was selected 10 times, was a selector once, shortlisted for the first prize 3 times and finally won the first prize in 2023.’

Graham currently has a solo show at The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool. Crowley’s work is held in numerous private and public collections in the UK and abroad. 

Sally Shaw MBE – Sally Shaw has been Director at Firstsite since April 2016.  She was previously Head of Programme at Modern Art Oxford. Sally has a specialist background in commissioning and public art and was Deputy Head of Culture for the Mayor of London and Senior Curator for London Underground.

During the first Covid-19 lockdown Sally devised the innovative artist-led activity packs ‘Art is where the home is’ which featured artists including Grayson Perry, Vanley Burke and Sarah Lucas. The packs have now received over 100,000 downloads.

She has also spearheaded Firstsite’s Holiday Fun programme, providing fun free days out full of art, movement and nutritious meals to families. Both projects were key to Firstsite winning Art Fund Museum of the Year 2021.

Book a one-on-one free session with one of our experts, who will provide constructive feedback and practical tips on how to strengthen your presentation, technique, and overall artistic vision. They’ll help you identify areas for improvement and discuss ways to refine your work.

In this supportive and inspiring environment, you’ll receive tailored feedback while engaging in thought-provoking discussions about the creative process, career development, and the challenges of being an artist in today’s dynamic art world.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from established artists and experts with a wealth of experience, gain fresh perspectives, and take your artistic practice to the next level.

This Portfolio Surgery – Morning Session is held as part of The Firstsite Art Fair!