Maxine Russo and James Gilgunn having recently moved to Kent and interested in the arts, felt it was important that Kent

artists were represented and promoted on an independent basis. They both share a passion for promoting Kent artists to a

wider audience and want to help reestablish the recognition of artists across Kent. For Maxine, Contemporary Kent Artists was

born out of a desire to spread the joy she has found in supporting artists and the pleasure in discovering more of them

across Kent.

James, having arrived from London to Margate a few years ago, was drawn by its artistic character. He has a degree in

fine art from St Martin’s School of Art and is an avid exhibition goer and supporter of the arts. Latterly picking up the

paintbrush and exhibiting again in Margate and Whitstable.

James has been involved in the selection and presentation of fellow artists exhibitions over the years.

Maxine moved from London to Whitstable in 2021. Although not an artist herself, she shares a keen interest in art attending

exhibitions, ploughing through an art history degree and chairing the Fishslab gallery committee in Whitstable. Maxine

has helped with the mounting of exhibitions in the Fishslab with the biannual Jon Bird competition and was involved last year

with a Whitstable arts festival. She supports local artists by collecting their pieces, attending Whitstable Artists’ Forum talks and popping

into the exhibitions in the galleries in town and further afield. Maxine has extensive experience in organising

events over the years.

Working together in this partnership, with established Arts Consultant Vicky Caplin, collaborating with Shepherd Neame

and other sponsors, Whitstable Artists’ Forum and East Kent Open Houses, both James and Maxine hope to share their

enthusiasm and passion with others.

We would like to thank Louise Doe for the artwork and Imogen Tinkler for her extensive work on the website.

Credit: Countrywide Photographic.

Shepherd Neame marks the sponsorship of art exhibition. ‘The Love that Lasts Longest.’ Pictured is Chief Executive of Shepherd Neame Johnathan Neame (right) with artists from the exhibition. Pictured from left: James Gilgunn (Director of CKA), Linda Karlsen, Tracie Peisley, Vicky Caplin (Art Consultant), Jaz Bushell, Bruce Williams, Kim O’Neil and Johnathan Neame.

The Horsebridge Arts Centre, 11 Horsebridge Road, Whitstable, Kent. CT5 1AF.