MOON-INSPIRED calligraphy, hand-carved linocuts on books and bags and the creative skills of care home residents, will be showcased in forthcoming exhibitions at Watchet’s Mayfly gallery as the next part of a season of exhibitions highlighting West Somerset’s artistic and creative talent.

This second season at the Mayfly, in Swain Street, is a tribute to Nick Cotton, artist, gallery-owner and local historian who died suddenly last December and who dreamed up the generous scheme to offer free one-week exhibition space to local artists, craftspeople and charities.

Coastal landscape by Jenny Graham
Coastal landscape by Jenny Graham (Coastal landscape by Jenny Graham )

Encouraged by what he called “an amazing response”, Nick was working on the 2024 exhibition programme at the time of his death. This has been taken over by his daughter Jennie Jukes and friends and supporters in order to keep the event going in Nick’s memory. 

Shortly before his death, Nick explained: “Having spent a lifetime working with galleries and artists, I felt that there were talented people around who deserved a helping hand.

Owl drawing by Malcolm Warrington
Owl drawing by Malcolm Warrington (Owl drawing by Malcolm Warrington)

“They may be a painter or connected in some way with visual creative work and are looking for a showcase. Ideally, they would live in Watchet, or close by, and could use the exhibition as a retail outlet for their creative skills.”

This year’s Mayfly season, which has become a popular attraction for both residents and visitors, has already featured watercolour and pastel artist Greshna Dibble, photographer Rod Higginson and painters Andrew Homer and Darren Scott. 

Courtney Higgins of Peppermint Grove prints
Courtney Higgins of Peppermint Grove prints (Courtney Higgins of Peppermint Grove prints )

The work of Lisa Benson, a print-maker living and working in Watchet, will be on display from May 31 to June 7. Primarily a linocut artist, Lisa enjoys nixing other forms of print-making into her work to illustrate the beauties of the local landscape. She also prints her hand-carved linocuts on books and bags to make unique gifts.

Jenny Graham’s show, from June 7-14, will feature a series of paintings created since moving to Watchet last spring and showcasing the area’s landscape and coastline. A professional artist for over 30 years, Jenny has exhibited in regional and national galleries.

Porlock Weir by Robert Blackborowr
Porlock Weir by Robert Blackborow (Porlock Weir by Robert Blackborow)

Malcolm Warrington’s exhibition on June 14-21 will be his first after many years as a publican. Working mainly in pen and ink, Malcolm specialises in wildlife, particularly birds.

An exhibition of Peppermint Grove prints from June 21-28 is the work of Australian artist Courtney Higgins, now living in Watchet. She merges ink-based mediums with modern calligraphy to create artworks of the moon that represent specific dates, each imbued with personal meaning. 

Artwork from Croft House residents
Artwork from Croft House residents (Artwork from Croft House residents)

Robert Blackborow’s paintings inspired by the Somerset countryside will be on display from June 28 to July 5. His exhibition will also include model dioramas based on local scenes.

One of last year’s most successful exhibitions featured the work of residents Williton’s Croft House retirement home. Their artistic skills will once more be on display from July 5-12.  

Visitors to the season’s exhibitions are asked to vote for the best artwork and photograph competing for the Nick Cotton and Bob Cramp awards. Hosted by Watchet Conservation Society, the winners will be announced on September 1.