Hello. Paul Regan here. Founder of Studio Fridays. It’s been over six months since I last collated news from Studio Fridays artists to share, so here’s an overview of the exciting things that they have been involved in so far this year.

Some of Sara Gregory’s Menopause paintings have been reproduced on to a quilt as part of the This is Menopause Exhibition, to be shown at the House of Commons from June 1st. She also had two paintings, Woman Of a Certain Age and Watching selected for the Society of Women Artists’ 165th Annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries, and two pieces included in the Behind the Artist Virtual Exhibition; with both works being shortlisted for the overall prize.

One of Diana Sandetskaya’s sunset paintings was selected for the Women in Art Fair exhibition at the Oxo Gallery, London. She also took part in the Autumn Art Fair at Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington, and was a finalist of the Broadway Arts Festival competition, where her painting Night Garden was highly commended by the judges in the landscape category. Having had her work selected for the 2025 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, Diana was invited to donate work for the Art on a Postcard auction for the Hepatitis C Trust. She has also had work displayed at Marks & Tilt Gallery in St Albans, the Highgate Gallery and Regent’s Park Gallery in Primrose Hill, as part of their Parkscapes exhibition. Diana also exhibited with the Bath Society of Artists at Victoria Art Gallery and at Linden Hall Studio in Deal.

Simon Gazzard has once again found huge success from taking part in art fairs and open studios, including the Highgate Art Fair, Affordable Art Fair and Crouch End Open Studios, as well as having work selected for the ING Discerning Eye at the Mall Galleries, and exhibiting with the Russell Gallery and Aldeburgh Contemporary Arts.

Margaret Crutchley also had work selected for ING Discerning Eye at the Mall Galleries, as well as completing a commission, showing at the Hertford Open, the Kimpton Art Show and Joy of Colour at Artsdepot.

Melissa Harris and Elise Mendelle have been exhibiting at Palette and Frame Gallery in Crouch End. Elise was also a part of The Silence and Joy of Light at a pop up in Holborn, the Fresh Art Fair at Alexandra Palace  and the Other Art Fair at Truman Brewery.

Melissa Harris

Elise Mendelle

Michelle Karpus has been busy making paintings of dogs to illustrate her own story books aimed at helping children understand and cope with their worries.

Victoria Perloff exhibited with the Society of Women Artists at the Stephenson Gallery in York, where her acrylic painting, Surprise, sold.

Studio Fridays artists Ayse McGowen and Caroline Matthews joined up with printmaker Michelle Weiner for their exhibition, Holding Time at Lauderdale House in Highgate. Ayse then joining up again with Caroline to take part in Bath Art Fair. Caroline also had work selected for the Winter Show at Linden Hall Studios, two works selected for the Pastel Society Annual Exhibition at the Mall Galleries and was awarded the Frank Herring Award for her work, High Summer.

As Associate Members of the Society of Graphic Fine Arts, Caroline and Dawn Limbert exhibited at their annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries, with both artists invited to offer demonstrations for visitors. Here’s Dawn, alongside Portrait Artist of the Year 2020 winner, Curtis Holder who was invited to give out prizes at the PV.

Dawn Limbert is currently preparing work for her return to the Essex Wildlife Trust Gallery and, as an Associate Artist with Unison Colour, she is also preparing work for show in their permanent collection at their Northumberland head office.

As an Associate Member of the Royal Watercolour Society, Raina Goran continues to show work at both their Bankside Gallery and their new, all year round exhibition of members work at the RWS Whitcomb Street Gallery. Raina also had work selected for the Society of Women Artists at the Mall Galleries and had a fantastic sell out show as part of Herts Open Studios.

Helen Robinson’s painting The Withey was accepted for the Winter Show at Linden Hall Studio, as well as showing at the Hertford Art Society Exhibition and continuing to sell well with Wychwood Art. Helen’s work continues to be shown at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead as part of their permanent collection.

And finally, Studio Fridays newest member, Sarah D’Souza has really hit the ground running, not only making work to launch her Studio Fridays website page, but also setting up the brand new art collective, Fifth Floor.