Monday 11th May - Saturday 23rd May 2009

History of the event

In 2006 Kristina Avery started a new initiative in Cranbrook - one that has already been earmarked for imitation in other parts of the country. She

had the inspired idea of establishing a symbiotic relationship between local working artists and the shopkeepers of the town. By devoting some of

their window display space to an artists work, participating stores were able to turn the whole town into a delightful art exhibition.  Through

imaginative pairing of artists and shops, all are benefitting, raising the profiles of all involved.

In devising Art in Store our intention was to create a 'win win' situation for artists and shopkeepers, and our experience in 2006 confirmed our

expectations. Despite some unhelpful weather the town had a good number of extra visitors for the show while the regular shoppers were often

startled into considering the merits of paintings and artworks that they wouldn't necessarily have gone out of their way to view. There were some

wonderfully imaginative pairings: Charlotte Molesworth and Cranbrook DIY; Brian Hanson and Phillips Man Shop;  David Aspinal and Stoneydale

Art Supplies; Will Taylor and Spice.

The Art in Store events in 2007 and 2008 were also a great success with more shops and artists joining in and terrific publicity for the event in the

press and on radio. Art in Store 2009 is underway and if you would like to be involved in the scheme during future years contact Kristina by email

or Trisha Spencer, Tourism Development Officer of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council by phone on 01580 714086 before 12th March 2010.