20. Love Is The Answer - Julie Caves

Julie Caves’ vibrant, light-filled paintings explore the boundary between still life and abstraction. With a background in painting and curating, her work focuses on the everyday objects we live with, distilled into studies of colour, light, and form. She will be showing small and large paintings in the setting of Futurelove’s thoughtfully curated selection of preloved and upcycled pieces that still have a story to tell.

FUTURELOVE 5 HIGH STREET MARGATE CT9 1DL

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with normal shop lighting and background music.

Under 18s: Yes

PV  Fri 6pm–8pm  Fri- 11am–8pm   Sat- 11am–5pm Sun -11am –4pm

21. The Oyster - Louise Frances Smith

The Oyster is a playful exhibition by Thanet-based artist Louise Frances Smith, made using oyster shells collected from Angela’s over the past two years. Louise transforms the shells into a biomaterial, creating works inspired by fragments of ecology found along the local coastline.

For Off Season, these altered materials are brought back to Angela’s and displayed in the restaurant window. The exhibition reflects on cycles of use and return, questioning the longevity of sculptural materials and reimagining what might be considered ‘waste’. The works also include a short film made in collaboration with local filmmakers Studio Augen.

ANGELA'S, 21 THE PARADE, MARGATE, CT9 1EX

Accessibility: This exhibition is displayed in the window of Angela's and is to be viewed from the pavement only, there is no access to view the works inside.

Under 18s: Yes

Fri 6–10pm,  Sat 11am–10pm,  Sun 11am–6pm

22. Let's Pretend....- Jas Dhillon & Exhibit69

From photo filters, AI, biased algorithms, fast fashion, cosmetic surgery, the accessibility of intoxicants, and influencer culture, there has never been a time where we have been more able to deny and edit reality, both in our inner and outer worlds.

'Let's pretend...' is a playful intervention in public space. An aesthetically Indian photo backdrop on an unloved building.

Who will notice? Who will ask why? Who will like it? Who will hate it?  Who will pose for a picture? 

Will it survive the weekend?

10 MARKET STREET, MARGATE CT9 1EU

Accessibility: Fully accessible - outdoor, street level

Under 18s: Yes

Fri-Sun 24hrs a day

23. Light At The End Of The Tunnel - Sarah Todd And Joe Rogers

Outside Mural.

ASOBI STORE, 6 DUKE STREET, MARGATE, KENT, CT9 1EP

Accessible via 6 Duke Street, Margate, Kent, CT9 1EP

Under 18s: Yes

24 hrs a day

24. Complicated Beasts -  Kadi Viidu

Complicated Beasts looks at the human animal in all its complexity. These works explore the disguises we construct, the cracks we try to conceal, and the storms we carry quietly inside. Using what the sea and life leave behind — shells, rocks, and sea-glass shaped by tide and time — merged with clay, I let whatever wants to emerge, emerge.

The faces are otherworldly, imperfect, a little frightening — the way truth often is. I am drawn to the moments when the disguise slips, when the raw, unedited self appears — where wound and wonder coexist.

These works are invitations to meet that version of yourself without judgement, to accept imperfection as a form of truth, and to step fully into your true self.

To recognise the beauty in the cracks.

To see the pattern you’re trapped in.

And to remember that stepping into your true self is a returning.

THE MARGATE BOOKSHOP 2 MARKET PL MARGATE CT9 1ER

Accessible, Suitable for under 18s

Fri- Sat 10am- 6pm,  Sun 10am-4pm

25. Lingerie For The Revolution - Angela Wooi

This exhibition explores feminism through costume, using vintage lingerie as both material and metaphor. Once concealed within the domestic sphere, these garments are transformed into surreal costumes  Drawing on folklore and fairy tales, the work references archetypal figures—the maiden, the mother, the witch, —through which women have historically been idealized or feared.

By reworking intimate garments into public, performative forms, the exhibition challenges the narratives that position women as passive, obedient, or ornamental. Instead, these costumes suggest transformation and rebellion, reclaiming femininity as a source of agency. Moving between domesticity and revolution, the work reframes women not as characters in inherited stories, but as authors who unravel and rewrite them.

MADAM POPOFF VINTAGE 4 KING STREET MARGATE CT9 1DA

Accessibility: the exhibition is in the window of the shop . can be clearly seen from the street. if visitors want o come to OPENING at midday on sat there is small step so no wheelchair access. and no public toilet at venue . the exhibition can be viewed outside of shop opening hours

Under 18s: Yes

PV Sat 6-8pm, 24hr a day

26. Art Is Art - Rabail Aslam And David Mullett and Skin Deep - Megan O’Reilly

Our exhibition presents a captivating dialogue between classical impressionism and modern abstract expression. David’s impressionist paintings reveal vivid stories and glimpses of everyday life, each piece alive with movement, light, and emotion. In contrast, Bela’s abstract works delve deep into the complexities of human feeling, using color and form to express what words often cannot. Together, our combined showcase offers a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity — a meeting point where classical beauty and contemporary emotion coexist, inviting viewers to experience art as both narrative and sensation.

Skin Deep explores the tension between surface and depth — the space where desire, memory, and identity meet. Through a series of richly textured oil paintings, female figures emerge from darkness in deep blacks and burning reds, their forms both revealed and concealed by layers of paint. The work speaks to the physicality of being seen, and the intimacy of what remains hidden. In Margate’s off season — when the light is low and the crowds are gone — Skin Deep becomes a meditation on presence and absence, warmth and stillness, the pulse beneath the surface. Each painting invites the viewer closer, asking not just to look, but to feel the heat of the body and the weight of its silence.

COMMUNITY PHARMACY GALLERY, 16 LOMBARD ST, MARGATE CT9 1ES

Accessibility: The exhibition will be held at Margate Pharmacy Gallery, 16 Lombard Street, Margate CT9 1ES. The gallery is centrally located, just a short walk from Margate Train Station and local bus routes. The venue has step-free access at the main entrance and is wheelchair accessible throughout the exhibition space. Accessible toilet facilities are available on site. Street parking and nearby public car parks are available within walking distance. Assistance dogs are welcome. Visitors with specific access needs are encouraged to contact the gallery in advance to ensure any additional support can be arranged.

Under 18s: Yes

Fri-Sun 9am–5pm

28. Talking Bollocks - Bozz

A portrayal of men, men's health and general well-being. An exhibition to encourage men to speak up about their worries, problems and thoughts.

THE OLD KENT MARKET, 8 FORT HILL, MARGATE, KENT, CT91HD

Accessibility: Wheelchair and pram access is available at the side of the building, but some of the exhibition inside is unfortunately upstairs and is not accessible.

Under 18s: Yes

Fri-Sun 10am–6pm

29. Raw Sally And The Ice Cream Art Wall - Zana Glaser

Can you find Sally?  She’s hidden somewhere in the exhibition and she’s certainly raw.  Outsider Artist Zana Glaser has a full wall of artworks, a riot of colour with a salon style hang where frame meets frame and artworks merge with fantasy hued walls.  The wonderful fresh fruit ice cream of summer might be on hold but blue sky and sunshine are still the name of the game at 12A King Street.

12A KING STREET, MARGATE, CT9 1DA

Accessibility: The Gallery is fully accessible for wheelchair and pram users.

Under 18s: Yes

Fri-Sun 10am–5pm

30. Friends & Family In Places & Spaces - Inky

My interest in photography began at my Youth Club in East London.

I always had a camera (loaned from the Youth Club) in my hand and would run around taking photos of friends, family and buildings and would develop them in our Youth Club Darkroom.

In later years I purchased my first camera, a Nikon FM2. Travelling around the world taking photos, coming home, and developing them was my hobby. Not all, some at Snappy Snaps. It was much cheaper back then! 

My highlight of 2020 was having one of my photos, taken at the Turner Contemporary, as part of People Dem Collective ‘MARGATE TO MINNEAPOLIS’ March on the front cover of the New York Times. One of the most important days of my time in Margate 🖤 

Nowadays, most of my photos are taken on my Apple 16 Pro Max. This exhibition will be a mix of pics colour, black & white, old and new with my iPhone. 

LULU'S GELATO, 7 MARKET PLACE, MARGATE, CT9 2JQ

Accessibility: Lulu's isn't very accessible, as it has a small step into the building and a couple of larger steps up to the main counter. It does have double doors and with help wheelchair users are able to access the lower seating area. The toilet is not accessible. There will be background music playing but consistent in volume with any other cafe environment.

Under 18s: Yes

PV Fri 6pm–8pm , Fri-Sun 12-6pm 

31. Wunderkammer - Etie Bluebell Boxer

This exhibition brings together a collection of my new unseen work, featuring embroidered, beaded, painted, and digital artworks. The theme is Wunderkammer, meaning “wonder room”, which is a nod to the history of curiosity cabinets and the art of collecting, which has always been a significant inspiration to me and my practice. This collection of work reflects the varied mediums I like to work in and my decorative and eclectic approach to creating.

DON’T BLINK, 10 BROAD STREET, MARGATE, CT9 1EW

Accessibility: There are unfortunately a few steps at the entrance, so it is not wheelchair or pram accessible. There may be some loudish music and it is a dog friendly space. There is no toilet available.

Under 18s: Yes

Fri-Sun 11am–5pm

32. Chromatize - Chris Daniels

An exhibition of paintings from Margate based artist Chris Daniels. Daniels makes abstract paintings concerned with colour, and investigates this through reductive, geometric forms. Through a use of spectrums and colour combinations, Daniels invokes stimulating visual experiences.

THE LITTLE FISH CAFE, 9 LOMBARD ST, MARGATE CT9 1EJ

Accessibility: The artworks will primarily be in the downstairs of the cafe, which is fully accessible to all, with no light or music issues. There are no steps. The upstairs of the cafe is only accessed by a narrow staircase, so there are limitations here. The toilet is also upstairs, but the local businesses offer use of their facilities for those unable to use the cafe toilets.

Under 18s: Yes

Fri1 12–3pm /6pm to 9pm,   Sat 10–3pm,  Sun11–3pm.

33. Realms Of Wonder - Anne-Marie Rymill

‘Realms of Wonder’ is a gallery takeover by Margate-based fine artist Anne-Marie Rymill at the Gallery of Urban Symbolism. Working in her ‘Abstract Realism’ genre, Anne-Marie creates mixed-media paintings inspired by dreams, spiritual encounters, prayerful reflection and moments where heaven touches earth. A member of the Association of Animal Artists, her work reflects a reverence for God’s creation, particularly animals and the natural world. 

Layered with symbolic, zoomorphic and anthropomorphic imagery, the paintings explore liminal spaces between the earthly and the divine. Through light, colour and chiaroscuro, and the use of precious metals and natural materials, the work invites contemplation, renewal and a deeper awareness of God’s presence.

This exhibition offers a space for reflection and encounter during midwinter, celebrating Margate’s creative and spiritual life in the off-season.

Artworks, including original paintings, print editions, mini hand-poured resin sculptures, merch-tote bags, keyrings, notebooks and greetings cards are all available to purchase.

‘GALLERY OF URBAN SYMBOLISM’ 6 LOMBARD STREET, MARGATE OLD TOWN CT9 1EJ

Accessibility: There are 2 small steps from the street up to the single door. There is gallery spot lighting in the tranquil exhibition space.

Under 18s: Yes

Fri-Sun 11am–5pm

34. Form Not Function - Sarah Daly

My practice has long centred on functional pottery. In this exhibition, I continue to use the same tools, clays, and glazes drawn from my everyday practice, but shift the focus from function to form. These works abandon utility to explore clay purely for visual pleasure.

CANTINA CARUSO 8 BROAD STREET, MARGATE CT9 1EW

Accessibility: Yes - I contacted the venue Cantina Caruso, and they say they have wheelchair and pram accessibility. There are no flashing lights or loud music

Under 18s: Yes

Fri-Sat 11am–10.30pm,   Sun 12–4pm

35. Among Moss And Water - Joseph Ball

This small exhibition presents a selection of peaceful moments photographed by Joesph Ball while travelling across Japan. Working as both a photographer and a gardener, his attention was drawn to curious plants and the complex interactions between different species. The photographs follow slow walks through forests and along waterways, inviting a sense of quiet observation and shared tranquility, presented here in the warm, welcoming setting of a Vietnamese-inspired Cà Phê.

THAO THAO, 18 KING STREET, CT91DA MARGATE

Accessibility: Not accessible to wheelchair/pram because of the steps at the entrance. The space is very small and the photos are displayed on the walls around the restaurant during the opening hours, when there will be customers at the tables.

Under 18s: Yes

Fri 12–3pm 6–9pm,  Sat 12–4pm

36. Transient Sentimentality - Jennifer Apa

An exploration of the importance of tangible memory.

SUB ROSA, 24 KING STREET, MARGATE, CT91DA

Accessibility: Venue is both wheelchair and pram accessible. Door Frame is slightly raised; a small step is necessary to enter. no flashing lights. lighting will be normal.

Under 18s: Yes

24hrs a day

37. Everything’S Coming Up Silly - Daisy Togura And Charles Ratcliff

SILLY™ Margate is applying to be part of Margate Off-Season with a joyful, nostalgic window collaboration by artists Daisy Togura  and Charles Ratcliff, transforming the orange iconic  windows into a paper-mâché celebration of our favourite SILLY non-main characters from our childhood memories. 

Cartoons have raised so many of us, shaping our humour, our cultural references, our inner monorails I mean, monologues across generations. This collaboration is a love letter to our shared memories of them, focusing not on the obvious stars, but the background characters, the “bit-parts” who live rent free in our heads and hearts and reminding us that even the smallest characters can leave the biggest impact. 

SILLY 25 HAWLEY ST, MARGATE CT9 1QA

Accessibility (No): Unfortunately not wheelchair accessible inside the shop due to curved doors

Under 18s: Yes

24hrs a day

38. Moondancing - Philip Gatward

Following a long-term relationship breakup, this series of large format oil paintings is a response to the tangible rebirthing energy from the recent succession of Harvest, Beaver, and Cold moons.

I haven't experienced such positive energy from the moon before, and I started working on these large sketches with a sense of freedom I don't usually employ.

One work will be site specific on the exterior of the cottage.

2 ALKALI ROW. MARGATE OLD TOWN, CT91DB

Accessibility: Exterior painting is ok for wheelchair/pram but stair to the inside of the cottage unsuitable.

Under 18s: Yes

Fri-Sun 12pm–6pm 

39. Masking, David Shillinglaw

‘Masking’ explores the enduring human impulse to reveal, conceal and transform the self. Masks are a universal tool for thinking about how individuals navigate the tension between blending in and standing out, between protection and expression. The works in ‘Masking’ push those ideas to exaggerated, almost monstrous forms the echo the distortions of anxiety and performance. ‘Masking’ proposes the mask as both shield and mirror - a playful device for confronting the complex emotional terrain of being human. 

MADE IN EARNEST, 5 LOMBARD STREET, MARGATE, CT9 1EJ

Accessibility: Venue is a small store. Only one door in and out of venue. One step into venue from pavement. Normal store lighting.

Under 18s: Yes

Fri-Sun 10am–5pm

40. Anxious Attachment - Lily Hawkes

A sculpture exhibition by local artist and tattooer Lily Hawkes which explores the use of chainmail as both material and metaphor. The work reflects on the soothing and compulsive nature of making as well as themes of protection and vulnerability. 

Rooted in personal memory, the sculptures take shape through physical assemblages that attempt to translate feeling into material form. Offering reflections on fragility, caretaking, and the physical weight carried by personal histories.

SCRAP 9 LOVE LANE MARGATE CT9 1QA

Accessibility: Venue is on the ground floor and easily accessible from the street but has 15 cm high step into the building. The toilet is not wheelchair accessible. Venue will be clearly lit with no sound.

Under 18s: Yes

Sat-Sun 11am–3pm

41. Seances By Rieko, Rieko

SEANCES by RIEKO are ritual workshops connecting past, present, and future selves through multi-sensory meditation, automatic writing, and divination.

For Off Season, limited slots are available (at an introductory rate) to enter altered states of creative perception – in intimate group sessions or bespoke one-to-one encounters guided by ritual artist and composer RIEKO, a Japanese-born, third-generation healer. Each session includes an electro-acoustic sound bath.

RIEKO is a 2025–2026 Artist in Residence at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, a 2022–2023 Artist in Residence at Tate Modern and Tate Britain, and a 2021 MA graduate of the Royal College of Art.

EUCALYPTUS (35 HAWLEY ST, MARGATE CT9 1QA)

Accessibility: Yes

Under 18s: Yes

Sun 1–14:30pm (additional slots available upon request)

http://www.riekowhitfield.com/seances

42. Uncensored Voices - Marta Merlo

I create collages that combine images and text from vintage erotica magazines, preserved and transformed through wax. My art seeks to reconnect image and language while giving these forgotten materials a renewed purpose. Each piece reflects my commitment to body positivity, sex positivity, and the celebration of human expression—transforming the past into something vibrant, inclusive, and alive today, giving voice to what was once hidden, and beauty to what was once discarded.

THE GEORGE AND HEART, 44 KING STREET, MARGATE CT9 1QE

Limited accessibility, Not suitable for under 18s 

Fri-Sun 12-11pm