The Wilding by Carmel De’Lissier
Exhibition from 1st April - 28th June
This Spring you will be invited to explore how you can use creativity as a tool to regulate and process your emotions in the gallery at Coda within this beautiful new exhibition. This will be a space that explores creativity and community, making connections and feeling connected.
Throughout the exhibition Carmel will be offering her gentle and unique style of mindful process-based workshops that will offer the chance to be a part of the installation’s creation and development..
Come and sit with the Forest Spirits, find a cosy space to shelter in the den and wander through a tunnel full of play.
April 1st – 28th June 2025
Check our What’s On page for free family workshops in the easter Holidays and half term break
GALLERY OPENING TIMES
Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday midday - 9pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 6.30pm
Friday 10am - 2pm
COMING IN 2025
Sea, Sky
Ben Winter
July 14th–31st 2025
Dorset artist Ben Winter presents Sea, Sky — a collection of expressive, atmospheric paintings inspired by the ever-changing landscape between land, sea and sky. With a background in fine art painting from Central St Martins, Ben blends traditional drawing with a modern, abstract style. His work is all about light, colour, and mood — capturing those fleeting moments in nature with spontaneity and depth.
Acrylic paint allows him to layer colour quickly and instinctively, helping him bring his vision to life. Whether he’s painting the Dorset coast or far beyond, Ben's goal is to share the feeling of a place — clearly, simply, and powerfully.
“His paintings echo the warmth of the British landscape tradition, with touches reminiscent of California’s Bay Area artists — full of golden hour tones and subtle shifts of light.”
— R.K. Blade
Hampshire
Open Studios
August 16th–25th 2025
Come and explore the vibrant creativity of Coda’s resident artists during Hampshire Open Studios.
Artists Hayley Potter, Tracy Dovey, Gabriella Cohen, Maddison Collymore, Kate Smith, Sally Ovenden, Nancy Beardall and Rachael Williams will be opening their studios and exhibiting an exciting mix of paintings, textiles, ceramics, printmaking, jewellery and installations.
You’ll also have the chance to try something yourself, with a range of fun and friendly taster sessions giving a flavour of the workshops we run throughout the year.
Staging the Self
Will Hargreaves
September 8th – December 19th 2025
What do a paper lampshade, a bathrobe, and a potato masher have in common? In Staging the Self, they all become part of something unexpected — imaginative recreations of famous self-portraits using everyday household objects.
This playful and inspiring exhibition was born during lockdown, when artist and designer Will Hargreaves turned his home into a studio and started restaging iconic portraits with whatever he had to hand. What began as a fun experiment soon became a powerful exploration of art, identity, and creativity.
From ruffs made of lampshades to turbans fashioned from blankets, each piece combines humour with homage. These colourful, theatrical self-portraits show how everyday items can be transformed into something extraordinary — and invite you to do the same.
Step into the Frame
Try it for yourself! Our dressing-up station lets you create and photograph your own self-portrait using materials inspired by the exhibition.
Talks and Workshops
Join us for a programme of creative events, including talks and workshops led by artists and theatre experts exploring the history of self-portraiture, identity, and performance.
About Will Hargreaves
Will is a theatre designer with over 30 years of experience creating bold, imaginative productions across the UK and beyond. He’s designed for theatres from the National Theatre to the West End, and brings a passion for storytelling, sustainability and education to everything he does. Currently Course Leader at Arts University Bournemouth, Will is also a trustee of Ecostage and co-editor of the student Theatre Green Book.
With Staging the Self, Will invites you to think differently about art — and to become part of it.
