The Abingdon Artists Autumn Exhibition runs from Tuesday 27 October to Saturday 31 October 2026 at Christchurch Barn, Northcourt Road, Abingdon.

I spoke to Caroline Harben, pictured here with three of her paintings. Each artist can exhibit up to three works, and the exhibition showcases a wide variety of styles and subjects, from abstract art to architectural scenes, all by local artists.

Caroline told me that the group has around 100 members and a waiting list. One of the ways members encourage interest in art is by meeting on Friday mornings, usually in the town centre, to draw and paint. This gives passers-by a chance to see the artists at work and find out more about the group.

The exhibition also includes a raffle, with a prize donated this year by Jonathan Leach. Tickets cost £1 each, with the money raised going to Sobell House, the local hospice.

Paintings of Abingdon are usually popular with buyers, and there were plenty to choose from. These included two contrasting views of the Abbey Gateway: one featuring a wedding car, while the other showed sheep – based on an old photograph. Shopfronts provide another source of inspiration. Among the paintings on display were views of Masons and Pedal Power.

I also met an Abingdon-based abstract artist who is actively promoting her work and building her profile and has a book about her artistic journey. She talked about conveying emotions through abstract art in a way she described as like music. Her work provided another example of the range of artists living locally.