Dancing Bear tote bag by Lesley Barnes for Soma

This lovely tote bag has been kindly designed by the very talented Lesley Barnes especially for us. They are silkscreen printed onto fairtrade cotton totes. Until the end of May all orders over £20 in our online shop will receive a free tote bag plus matching badges. Or if you just want a bag, they are £5 each plus postage and free badges.

We're also offering you the chance to win a tote and badges. All you need to do is follow us on Twitter and send us this message "@somagallery I want to win a tote #dancingbear" or join our Facebook page and comment on the 'Win a Tote' message. We will pick a winner at the end of the week on both.

View the tote bag on our website here

View Lesley Barnes' page on our website here

Next Exhibition: Andy Smith

‘Sunny Side Up’
Exhibition by Andy Smith at Soma Gallery, Bristol
25th June 2011 – 20th August 2011

Hastings based illustrator Andy Smith studied at Brighton University and the Royal College of Art. When not busy working for clients such as Orange, Nike, McDonalds, The Guardian and Faber and Faber he can be found in his studio by the sea in Hastings printing books and posters which he has exhibited in the UK, France, USA and Australia. Specialising in silkscreen printing Andy’s work combines illustration and typography to create images with humour, energy and optimism, executed with a handmade tactile feel. Illustrating for 12 years, his work has won D&AD, Creative Circle and AOI awards and been featured in numerous books and publications.

His summer show at Soma Gallery in Bristol will include a set of 12 new large artworks, hand screenprinted by Andy and featuring his distinct hand lettering and visuals. They deal with bold statements, strange visitors, warnings from gurus, the thoughts of Captain Scott and other random themes. Accompanying these prints will be an eclectic collection of new 3D arrows and moose heads, totes, stickers and one sad lonely, goldfish.

We're really looking forward to this exhibition. It will be the first time a single artist has made up of the entire first floor gallery space in the new Soma! Keep an eye out for more information in the coming weeks.



There's a couple more teaser images on our flickr page here.

View all prints by Andy Smith at Soma Gallery.

Artist of the week: Jane Massey

Jane Massey is this week's artist of the week. Jane is a childrens illustrator and lives in Hove. We sell prints and cards by Jane.

Jane Massey studied Graphic Design at Kingston University. She worked for several design agencies in London and Hong Kong before concentrating on illustration. As well as producing numerous children's books Jane has also created illustrations for AOL, Marks and Spencer plc, Procter and Gamble, ASDA, Paperchase and Waterstones.

See all work by Jane Massey

Artist of the week: Sam Chivers

Brighton based Sam Chivers is this weeks artist of the week. We've just also received two new prints from him, so it's fitting that he should be featured here (as well as his work being exceptional). The two new prints we have just received from him are both silkscreens, a medium he is very skilled with.

Known facts about Sam:
He's a bearded Illustrator based in East Sussex.
He's been making screen prints since 2004.
He likes to take a progressive attitude to his work.
Until recently He believed Jean Michel-Jarre was born in space.

View all prints by Sam Chivers here.

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration on Tour at Soma Gallery

We are really pleased to have been invited by Amelia to host one of the Book Tour events here at Soma. Local tea company Lahloo will be providing delicious teas for the event.

Amelia Gregory of Amelia’s Magazine will be visiting Soma Gallery in Bristol as part of the #ACOFI Book Tour on on Thursday 26th May, from 6-10pm.

Please do join us for an informal talk about the creation of Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration, the rise of eco fashion, illustration process and social media for creatives, followed by an official book signing and chance for fellow creatives to network whilst enjoying complimentary organic juices from Juiceology, fine teas from Lahloo and yummy baked goods. On purchase of books there will also be the opportunity to take part in a personal portfolio crit with Amelia Gregory, which will continue into the next day. Keep an eye on Twitter @ameliagregory for updates on the #ACOFI hashtag. Free to attend but please book in advance at: fiona@somagallery.co.uk

Other dates: Tatty Devine in Covent Garden, London on Tues 10th May, Fruitmarket in Edinburgh on Tues 17th May, Castor and Pollux in Brighton on Tues 24th May, Oxford Comma in Oxford on Weds 25th May, Tatty Devine in Brick Lane, London on Tues 7th June.

"Champions the art form and gives a thorough insight into working practices... and it looks stunning, which is not a suprise considering the calibre of the work included." Design Week

"Beautiful and informative as each interview and feature takes you on a personal journey, understanding where each artist and designer get their inspiration from and why ethical fashion is important to them." Ecouterre

"A coffee-table book with a difference... perfect for dipping in and out of for both artistic and fashion inspiration." The Young Creatives

ACOFI at Soma Facebook page
Lahloo tea website
Juiceology website
Amelia's Magazine website

More to be announced in the coming weeks. Hopefully see you there!

EDIT - Bristol based Harts Bakery are now providing home baked iced bicuits, gingerbread hearts & custard creams! Visit their website here.