Community Activities
For the SWAc education project 2025 we were inspired by the local connections of Sidmouth and the surrounding areas. Connecting the links of the Jurassic coast with the well known Donkey Sanctuary, it was decided to purchase some life-size miniature donkeys and ask local businesses to sponsor them. We were delighted with the uptake.
In collaboration with local schools, designs for each of the donkeys were drawn up and replicated onto the life-size minature donkey to allow the children to see their artwork come to life. Young people, our local MP and even some police officers then painted these designs in vibrant colours.
The Donkeys were then displayed on the lawn of Kennaway House, Sidmouth during SWAc’s Annual Open Exhibition, they proved a real draw to art lovers and visitors alike.
Once the Exhibition was over, the Donkeys were transported to their new homes, including to the Donkey Sanctuary, where they can still be viewed.
SWAc thanks all who participated in bringing this education project to life including Sidmouth Town Council, Kennaway House, the schools and the sponsors.
Friends of the Academy and visitors to the exhibitions enjoy talks by Academy members thereby gaining insights into their working practices.
The Academy also holds an annual lecture at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter in honour of an early benefactor Zbigniew Drecki.
Each year, the Academy reaffirms its commitment to education by organising projects for schools as well as a series of workshops for young people and children. In 2019, the Young Art Devon prizewinning works were exhibited at the Academy’s Open Exhibition and the winners were able to meet with the Academy’s Patron, Dame Floella Benjamin at the Private Reception.
At the same time as making provision for young artists, members of The Academy run workshops, demonstrations and talks for different adult groups including a Memory Café workshop to support the work of Honiton’s Dementia Alliance group.
Academician Carolyn King Illustrator
Academician Helen Ridehalgh Sculptor
Academician David Norman’s Demonstration for adults
Academician Richard Thorn Painter
Academician Phil Clayton Painter
Academician Andrew Sinclair Sculptor
Visit by Friends of the Academy to Academician David Norman’s studio
Hon. Academician Jed Falby’s Cartoon Workshop for families
Hon. Academician Phil Creek’s workshop held on behalf of Honiton Memory Café
Dame Floella Benjamin and Young Art Devon prize winners 2019
Academician Bob Mountjoy’s workshop for primary pupils
Hon. Academician Phil Creek’s workshop for secondary pupils
If you would like to support the work of the Academy, please making a donation