21 June – 30 August

Beecroft Art Gallery

50^th Essex Open Exhibition

If you are an artist living or working in Essex and are over 18 you can enter the prestigious Essex Open Exhibition. Selection is by prominent people in the art world and there are generous sponsored awards for various categories.

26 July - 29 November

Southend Central Museum  

‘Butterflies’

These most beautiful and colourful insects have fascinated mankind for centuries. Yet these fragile creatures are now under threat, facing more challenges than ever before, and many are disappearing fast.

This major exhibition opens during SAVE OUR BUTTERFLIES WEEK and in the 40^th anniversary year of Butterfly Conservation – an organisation fighting to save our beleaguered butterflies. It celebrates the beauty of British butterflies, details their fascinating habits, life histories and strategies for survival and outlines the threats they face in a changing world. 

Illustrated by stunning photographs taken by some of Essex’s most talented butterfly photographers, specimens from the museum’s collections and several fun activities for younger visitors (including an opportunity to design your own butterfly - the best will be displayed on our website - take a look!), the exhibition will have something for everyone who appreciates the natural world.

During the autumn term there will be a range of special programmes for schools.

26 July - 30 August

All Museum Branches

‘Clued Up!’

This popular holiday activity for children, now in its fifth year, takes you around the town’s museums testing observational skills. Participants pick up a Clue Card from one of the museums or the Tourist Information Centre and answer a few questions at each museum.

The card is officially stamped at each branch and when all questions are answered the successful participant receives a prize.

You can take the whole holiday period to do it if you wish or gallop through it in a couple of days! Best of all, it’s free.

Saturday 16 August - 11am to 4pm

Southchurch Hall Museum

‘Strings at Southchurch’

A unique chance to find out about different musical instruments, talk to expert musicians and perhaps even have  a go yourself.

Admission Free

Wednesday 20th August - 10.00 to 4.00pm

Focal Point Gallery

Pop Art Workshop

Educational Workshop

£15 per participant (Materials Included)

Work with digital artist Simon Cooper to learn the essentials of Photoshop to make Pop Art style images with layers, colours and filters.  You will create your own design which will be printed onto a t-shirt to take home with you. No experience needed.  Booking essential.

To book your place or for further details, please call 01702 534108 or email focalpointgallery@southend.gov.uk. A limited number of concessionary places are available to Southend Borough Council Advantage Card D holders on each workshop.

6 September – 25 October

Beecroft Art Gallery

The Beauty of Abstraction – Zarah Hussain

Zarah is a Muslim artist, practising in the ancient Islamic tradition of geometric art. The exhibition includes large canvas works and a stunning light installation accompanied by music. The exhibition forms part of Southend Council’s ‘Out of the Box’ multicultural festival.

6 September – 25 October

Beecroft Art Gallery

Little Black Dress

When Queen Victoria made mourning fashionable, many women found themselves in black for much of their lives. For many decades since, the black dress - flattering, versatile and elegant - has been staple eveningwear.

This exhibition features a selection of beautiful ladies wear and accessories in black from Southend Museums’ costume collection.

Saturday 13th September 12noon to 2.00pm - Talk by Robin Grierson 1.00pm to 1.30pm

Family Pictures - Robin Grierson

Exhibition Opening and Talk

Please join us in the Gallery to celebrate the opening of the exhibition Family Pictures by London based photographer Robin Grierson. His photographic project started with the birth of his first child in 1994 and is a very personal exploration of family life.

Often very moving, Family Pictures can be interpreted on many levels, having the capacity to speak to those beyond Grierson’s immediate family.

For more information, please contact the Gallery on 01702 534108 or email focalpointgallery@southend.gov.uk.

During the opening, Robin Grierson will be giving an informal introduction to the show. The talk will take place between 1.00pm and 1.30pm. Everyone is welcome, no invitation necessary. Admission free.

And also the following which is a continuation of our Creative Network sessions

 Saturday 13th September 2.00pm to 3.00pm

Creative Network Session

Following our first open meeting in July on how the gallery can support practising artists, Andrew Hunt, our new director, will lead a session to expand the ideas generated. There will also be time to network and meet other local creatives as well as offering your suggestions for the future of the FPG Creative Network.

Open to all local artists and creative professionals. 

Please book your place by contacting the Gallery on 01702 534108 or email focalpointgallery@southend.gov.uk.

Tuesday 28 October to Saturday 1 November - 10am to 3pm 

Southchurch Hall Museum

Southchurch Storybook

This autumn half-term activity week, produced in conjunction with Southend Libraries, is an unusual introduction to the works of various authors. Tableaux and objects take children to different worlds… to find out more, read on!

Admission Free

1 November – 13 December

Beecroft Art Gallery

The Beecroft Art Gallery Christmas Exhibition

Art and craft by local people for sale at reasonable prices. Come and buy for presents or just have a look around and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Saturday 29th November - 10am to 3pm. 

Southchurch Hall Museum

A Southchurch Christmas

A wonderful opportunity to see the Hall in its festive splendour, Find out about Christmas customs from the Medieval and Tudor worlds to Victorian times – and the origins of our modern Christmas.  Celebration meals, activities and music complete the picture.

Admission Free

Saturday 6th December - Saturday 24 January 2009

Southend Central Museum   Admission free

A Young Person’s Guide to Archaeology

A group of children from a local school here introduce you to the world of archaeology. What are archaeologists looking for? What techniques do they use to preserve what they find and what do their discoveries tell us about life in the past?

Saturday 31st January 2009 - 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Hadleigh Country Park, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh

Astronomy Open Night

Come and see the wonders of the night sky (weather permitting!) through the powerful telescopes of Castle Point Astronomy Club. During each open night we will show you a selection of the objects that can be seen in the night sky.

Explore the planet Venus, where the clouds are made of sulphuric acid, or see the rings of Saturn, the cratered surface of our Moon, and much more. No knowledge of astronomy is required! These events are very popular with all ages!

Admission Free

Other Open nights will be held on:

   Saturday February 28th 2009 - 6.30 to 8.30pm

   Saturday April 4th 2009 - 8.00pm to 9.30pm

   Saturday 24th October 2009 - 6.30pm to 8.00pm

More details of all our Open Nights can be found at www.cpac.org.uk

Sunday 2nd August 2009 - 11am to 4pm    Admission free

Southchurch Hall Museum

Tudor Day

For one glorious day in summer, Southchurch Hall becomes the domain of the Tudors.

Discover aspects of life in those times, from food and entertainment to weapons and customs, brought to you by skilled re-enactors.

Admission Free