Our vision for The Tabernacle is that the fully restored building will provide a space for a range of community activities, exhibitions and performances of many kinds.

We think that might include artists that might want to display their work, so we’ve been talking to local artists about what they might need. That’s included local artist Vincent Brown, who you might know from his studio down at the Warmley Clocktower. Vincent is a very accomplished award winning portrait artist, and he has agreed to run some sessions for us to encourage novices to pick up a brush, and more experienced artists to brush up on their skills.

The event will take place on the weekend 23rd and 24th September

When: September 23rd (Saturday afternoon)
Where: New Cheltenham Community Centre, Kingswood

Vincent will work in front of an audience to produce a portrait of Basil Rogers, who was the last Minister of the Whitfield Tabernacle URC. With the use of a TV monitor, Vincent will explain how he is building up the portrait which will be produced in two 45 minute sessions. Vincent will provide all the materials needed for the session.

We'll be providing tea and cakes during the interval!

When: September 24th (Sunday afternoon)
Where: Vincent's studio in The Clocktower, Kingswood

Vincent will provide all the materials for you to produce your own painting inspired by the Tabernacle. We will have photographs of the Tabernacle to inspire you, but will also arrange a visit to the Tabernacle on Saturday morning for those who are interested.

When: September 23rd (Saturday morning)
Where: The Tabernacle, Kingswood

Primarily aimed at those planning to be at the art class session on Sunday afternoon, we will be opening the Tabernacle on Saturday morning to show what the inside looks like before work starts to complete the conversion.

Access

As The Tabernacle does not yet have a floor yet! A visit is not suitable for anyone with mobility problems. The New Cheltenham Community Centre has good disabled access for the portrait demonstration, but the Clocktower studio is up several flights of stairs with no disabled access.

Book your place

Places are limited, it is essential that you book your place to take part in all or any of these sessions.