A Day in May - Open Call: in partnership with Auto Amor, supporting the Wildlife Trusts
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Taking place this July at Spirit Studios on the Suffolk coast, A Day in May is a group exhibition inviting artists to spend a single day in a landscape they care about and create an artwork in response. Coinciding with the 250th anniversary of Constable and Turner, the project reflects on the enduring power of landscape art and our deep connections with the natural world.
Whether working spontaneously on location or later in the studio, the simple act of spending time making work outdoors becomes a quiet collective gesture: many artists reflecting on the places that matter most to them and the relationships we hold with the environments that shape our lives.
Participation itself is central to the project. Alongside invited artists, A Day in May offers an open opportunity for any artist — professional or amateur — to take part by spending a day observing and responding to a place that matters to them. All artists will work to the same scale, a primed board of 24 x 30 cms supplied by our partners for this project Auto Amor.
Important Information
- Register & Purchase your board(£12.50 + P&P) from Auto Amor before the 30th April
- Submit Artwork via Auto Amor: International deadline 25th May/ UK 8th June
- Successful applicants to be notified by 1st June (International)/ 13th June (UK)
- Delivery of Artwork to London or Suffolk before the 26th June.
A variety of mediums and materials can be used so long as they are fixed to the Auto Amor board provided.
Artworks in this exhibition will be for sale. Ticket sales for exhibition entry and a percentage of sales revenue will be donated to The Wildlife Trusts.
If you would like to get involved and be in with a chance to have your artwork selected for this exciting exhibition please follow the link below. N.B. should you like to buy more boards, up to three boards can be purchased at once without affecting the UK P&P. Details for International applicants can be found here.
To Register with Auto Amor
Find out more about The Wildlife Trusts
General enquiries to laura@jmlondon.com or call the gallery 0207 499 1314
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Upcoming Artist-Led Events
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Monday 18th May 12 - 4:30pm
Meeting Point – Please meet at the studio (at the entrance to the gardens). Parking is available by the entrance.
12:00pm - 1:00pm – Guests arrive and spend the first hour exploring the studio and walking around the grounds with Frank. During this time, Frank will share insights into his practice, the gardens, and suggest potential painting locations for the afternoon.
1:00pm - 4:00pm – Artists will find their own spots and set up for an afternoon of painting. Frank will be working alongside participants and will be available for informal questions and discussion.
4.00pm - 4.30pm – Meet back at the studio for a half-hour debrief, where participants can share their experiences and any work produced so far.
Guests are welcome to stay in the gardens until closing at 5:30pmWho It's For
This day is open to all.
What to Bring
Portable painting equipment, outdoor clothing, suitable footwear, food and drink needed for a day working in the field.
Cost per person (unlimited places)- £45
This includes: Garden Entry, an Auto Amor gesso board 24 × 30cm *& entry to A Day in May open call
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Thursday 28th May 9am - 5pm
A plein air painting day for experienced artists at Knepp Wilding, led by Andrew Gifford.
Start time: 9am – Meet at Knepp Wilding Kitchen for breakfast rolls and coffee, to talk about the day ahead and a welcome
from Lia Brazier.
9:45am - 11.45am– Field walk with Andrew Gifford.Andrew will talk about the site, what draws him to a landscape, choosing viewpoints, anticipating changing light, and responding to weather and atmosphere. He will share examples of paintings at selected locations. Artists are welcome to break away at any point to set up and begin work..
11.30pm – 4pm –Independent painting time across the estate. Lunch and refreshments are available from the Knepp restaurant
4pm - 5pm – Meet up for tea, a chat about experiences and discuss your work.
Who It's For
This day is intended for practising and experienced artists who are comfortable working independently outdoors and would value the company of other painters in a stimulating landscape setting.
What to Bring
Portable painting equipment, outdoor clothing, suitable footwear, food and drink needed for a day working in the field.
Cost per person (limited places)- £35
This includes breakfast, a map and tea. Additional Day in May gessoed boards avaialble at £12.50
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