About

Art in the Valley

31^st July – 21^st August – Ian Parsons – Watercolour

Born in Rowley Regis in the heart of the West Midlands, Ian Parsons discovered his passion for painting and drawing as a teenager, inspired and encouraged by his father. Over the years, Ian has brought his unique artistic vision to life through graphite pencil portraits and vibrant watercolour pieces.

From art galleries to craft fairs across England, Ian has connected with audiences face-to-face—sharing stories, signing artwork, and showcasing his evolving style.

 

22^nd August – 18^th September – Emily Paine – Zentangle Art

Discover the bold, intricate world of Zentangle art through Emily’s unique creations. With no formal art training, Emily found her passion for drawing as a therapeutic outlet during her mental health journey. Her vibrant, pop-art-inspired pieces are filled with energy, emotion, and detail—each one a reflection of her beautifully complex mind.

 

19^th September – 9^th October – Ellie Lilly – Photographic Art

Ellie Lilly’s photography invites viewers to step into the moment—feeling the atmosphere, sensing the sounds, and reliving cherished memories. Her work is all about capturing the essence of a place or experience, turning it into something timeless and tangible.

With a background in social science, Ellie began her journey documenting life in the punk clubs of the 1980s, capturing raw, authentic moments. Over time, her passion evolved into a love for food photography and the beauty of landscapes and everyday life.

 

10^th October – 20^th November – Kathryn Sawbridge – Photography and Fine Art

Kathryn Sawbridge is a Photographer and Fine Artist who lives in Sutton Coldfield.  She undertook a first degree in Photography at the University of Wolverhampton followed by a Masters in Fine Art achieving a Distinction. Kathryn is an Associate of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society and an elected member of the Birmingham Art Circle and Birmingham Easel Club. She is also a member of Sutton Coldfield and Walsall Societies of Artists and is currently the Vice Chair of the Annual Sutton Coldfield Art Trail.

 

21^st November – 2^nd January – The Happy Painters – Group Exhibition

We’re a small, cheerful group of around 15 amateur artists who meet weekly at West Smethwick Park to share our love of painting, creativity, and community. Our group was proudly founded with support from the National Lottery, and we’ve already had the joy of contributing to the Dudley Zoo Otter Trail—painting one of the otters to help raise funds for charity!  We’re always excited to get involved in local community projects and love any opportunity to showcase our work

 

Opening times – Summer 10am – 5pm, September onwards 10am – 4pm