Stretched 2026

A unique collection of artworks is set to go under the hammer at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) Farnham this December, as emerging student artists join forces with major contemporary art figures for a fundraising silent auction.

UCA is proud to host ‘Stretched’, an ambitious exhibition and anonymous auction taking place at the UCA Farnham Linear Gallery on Tuesday 8 December from 5pm to 7pm. The initiative brings together original works created by Year 2 Fine Art students alongside celebrated professional artists, including Jake Chapman, Peter Jones, Betty Lau, Kate Mccgwire, and more.

All artworks will remain strictly anonymous until winning bids are finalised at the end of the evening. This offers local collectors, students, and art lovers a rare opportunity to acquire original pieces by established figures or rising talents for a fraction of their market value, with opening bids starting from just £5.

All proceeds from the event will go directly towards supporting UCA Farnham Year 2 Fine Art students’ external exhibition projects and upcoming London exhibition next year.

Supported by Winsor & Newton, the project challenges each participating artist to create a work using a 5 x 5 inch canvas frame. The results range from traditional paintings to inventive 3D sculptures that strip away or re-imagine the canvas entirely.

Exhibition:

The exhibition of anonymous works on canvas will be open from 28 October - 8 December 2026.

Remote bidding:

For those unable to attend in person, the full catalogue of featured lots will be available to preview on Instagram (@ucastretched). Bids can be placed via email at ucastretched@gmail.com by including the lot number, Maximum bid amount, contact details, and address. The deadline for email bids is 5pm on Monday 7 December, with winning remote bids receiving free postage.

Live auction event:

The main showcase takes place at the UCA Farnham Campus, Falkner Road, GU9 7DS on Tuesday 8 December, 5pm – 7pm. Visitors can view the physical canvases up close, enjoy refreshments, and place their bids. Bidding closes promptly at 7 pm, with winning bidders able to take their artworks home that evening. Admission is free and open to all.