Join us for an unmissable celebration of creativity, bringing together a diverse range of artists, collectors, art lovers and all who are simply curious about art.

Set in a welcoming environment, our fair showcases a stunning array of original artworks, including paintings and sculptures. Whether you’re on the hunt for a unique gift or treating yourself to something special, this is your chance to discover one-of-a-kind pieces that speak to you.

Meet emerging and established artists, explore their unique creations, and snap up exclusive pieces to add to your collections.

With interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and thought-provoking artworks, there’s something for everyone.

Join us for an inspiring and dynamic experience where art, culture, and community come together.

Each Art Fair will feature a variety of exciting activities, including:

• A display of original artworks
• Opportunities to network with other artists and art enthusiasts
• Portfolio surgeries
• Live demonstrations and hands-on workshops
• Guided tours of the Firstsite gallery to immerse yourself in our exhibitions

Entry is free, but you will need to purchase tickets to participate in the live demonstrations and workshops. If you would like to attend a Portfolio Surgery session you would also need to book a time-slot.

This is an event you won’t want to miss – immerse yourself in creativity and take home something truly special!

Line up – Sat 28 Feb 

Introduction to Cyanotype

28 Feb 26, 10am

Discover the expressive power of cyanotype in this hands-on creative workshop, transforming stories and memories into blue-toned artworks.

An Introduction to Abstract Drawing and Monoprint

28 Feb 26, 10am

Explore spontaneous abstract mark-making and simple monotype printing techniques in An Introduction to Abstract Drawing & Monoprint.

Talk: ‘ To the Land: Radical Retreats and Rural Resistance in Essex’ – David Grocott

28 Feb 26, 11am

Join us as David Grocott charts the rich and often overlooked history of these “back to the land” movements in Essex.

Portfolio Sessions – Morning Sessions 

28 Feb 26, Various time available

Book a one-on-one session at our free Artist Portfolio Surgery, where an industry expert will provide professional guidance.

Portfolio Sessions – Afternoon Sessions

28 Feb 26, Various time available

Book a one-on-one session at our free Artist Portfolio Surgery, where an industry expert will provide professional guidance.

Experts of the surgery:

Sue Webster

Sue Webster is an artist who established her reputation in the mid-1990s, working with her then-partner Tim Noble. Together they rose to prominence, making abstract shadow sculptures assembled from seemingly random objects.

Sue published the visual biography I Was a Teenage Banshee in 2019. A Künstlerroman (artist’s coming of age novel), the book combines personal memoir with a visual narrative of her evolution as an artist and describes how listening to Siouxsie and the Banshees helped guide her through a troubled adolescence.

In recent years, Sue has been painting in oils, turning her focus inward to create a striking series of large-scale self-portraits.

Thomas Empson 

Professionally, Tom has experience delivery nationally funded projects, leading industry collabs and cutting-edge educational programmes . From empowering many underrepresented groups to flourish, they proud to now be serving the local queer community.

George Morl

George is Programme Manager, Exhibitions at Firstsite. They explore how technology structures human behaviour, often from a disabled and neurodivergent perspective. They have curated exhibitions ‘Voyager 2000: Worldbeing & Wonder’, ‘Leonora Carrington: Avatars & Alliances’ and ‘David Lock: In-between Us’ at Firstsite.  Independently, as an artist, they have undertaken projects with Focal Point Gallery, Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange, Chelmsford Museum, and Southend Museums.