Open Canvas 2026

03/09/2026

02/09/2026

🌸🌻The Flower Table🌻🌸 the lovely Bec from Bec: Flower farmer | Farm Stay | Small holder kindly donated the most beautiful buckets of flowers for our flower painting activity. We had some delicate vases to put them in, but the wind had other ideas. But that didn’t stop our brilliant volunteer Rach, from Greenhouse - Plant Based FGreenhouse - Plant Based Foodto capture the flowers in watercolour.

When I was unpacking all the festival stuff the day I found a load of gorge flower paintings that were leftover. So I had to get a snap of them altogether, including my socks 💅

01/09/2026

While I’m still sorting through all the shares/posts and waiting on the professional photos I just wanted to post a real quick thank you.

To everyone who took part in the debut Open Canvas Art Festival. The host artists SOPHIE LONG Georgie | Bristol interior designer and artist Belinda Millar Katie Sims | Landscape Artist UK Caryn Koh ALICE SIMS PAINTS put on a phenomenal exhibition and show painting live, despite the wind testing our patience.

Our wonderful guest artists who brought diversity, interest and passion to the day, inspiring the visitors.

Bristol Plein Air Painters were a spectacle! Confidently pitched up around the church and the common, painting from all angles.

Our food vendors were flat out from start to finish, glowing praise for all they served. Even rushing out for more food after selling out!

Our lovely stall holders who added so much interest to the day.

The kids corner was buzzing all day. Glue sticks, canvases, paint flying, glitter everywhere ✨

Our DJs kept the energy on form even through a couple of brief showers.

The Frenchay volunteers, who were on site BEFORE the organisers, to help setup. It wouldn’t have happened without the community we have here.

I’m going to do separate posts on each of these elements and more. But for now, to all that visited, participated, bought a piece of art, made a piece of art…big fat THANK YOU.

P.s. Are we doing this next year?

23/08/2026

21/08/2026

Hi 👋 I’m Alice Alice Sims Paints I’m excited to welcome you in 10 days time to Open Canvas 2026 👀 Frenchay Common 11am.

Hosted by 6 female artists, you’ll find a whole field of artists painting live on the day, explore our free art activities for all ages, music from our DJs and food from our local vendors. If you’re feeling inspired, you can bring along your art materials, or buy them on site, pitch up a picnic blanket, and create your own masterpiece. All proudly sponsored by Boardwalk Property Co.

Host artists:
Sophie Long Art
Georgie Webster Artsims.paints
Belinda Millar Art
Katie Sims Art Commissions
Caryn Koh Art