Housed in a beautiful 18th century former Unitarian chapel, Ilminster Arts Centre is the cultural jewel in Ilminster's crown.  The Arts Centre hosts a vibrant programme of exhibitions, concerts (of all music genres, from jazz to classical, folk and world), along with a busy schedule of hands-on arts and crafts workshops.  There are unique, locally made cards and crafts to browse and buy in the Crafts Shop, while the bustling café is a popular destination for those in search of a light bite in convivial surroundings.   This April, why not dodge the seasonal showers and come in and take a look?

  

The 2016 Open Photographic Exhibition offers a fascinating 'snapshot' of contemporary West Country photography.   The competition is open to all photographers, be they amateur or professional, and the works chosen by the selectors will display a wide range of subjects, techniques and formats.  The show opens Mon 11th and runs until Friday 29th.

On Friday 8th the Arts Centre welcomes Exeter-based vocalist Annika Skoogh and her Quartet to the Meeting House. Annika is known for her adventurous explorations of jazz and latin music, through alternative time signatures, re-harmonisations and a modern aesthetic.  A multi-linguist, she sometimes rings the changes by singing in different languages!  With special guest, tenor saxophonist Ben Waghorn. 

Four young jazz creatives come to the Arts Centre on Sat 23.  The Sam Crockatt Quartet play lyrical jazz with a melodic touch that is a joy to listen to.  Their first album 'Howeird' won album of the year in the Parliamentary jazz awards; their latest 'Mells Bells' takes its inspiration from Crockatt's home village in Somerset.

The Craig Milverton Trio return to the Arts Centre on Friday 29, to 'play tribute' to legendary British jazz pianist and composer, Sir George Shearing. The Shearing Quintet was hugely popular in the 50s and 60s and Craig's trio, joined by Dominic Ashworth and Paul Sawtell, will recreate many of Shearing's original close harmony arrangements. 

For hands-on creative fun come along to one of the Arts Centre popular arts and crafts workshops.  In addition to regular clay sculpture, oils, acrylics, watercolours and drawings sessions, the April line- up includes Crazy Patchwork on Fri 1st , Dorset Buttons on Tuesday 5,  Readers Group on Fri 8, Felting on Fri 15, Figure Drawing on Mon 18 April, Knit Stitch and Crochet on Thurs 21, Fabric Fusion on Fri 22, and Rag Rugs on Fri 29 April. 

If you enjoy coming to the Arts Centre as a visitor, have you considered supporting this wonderful local amenity by becoming a Volunteer?  Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and learn new skills.  There are currently vacancies for volunteers in the Café, on the front desk and for gallery stewards.   If you can spare a morning or afternoon on a regular basis, the Arts Centre would love to hear from you. 

For more details about IAC events see www.themeetinghouse.org.uk