Between Hemipheres - International Contemporary Female Artist Carla Raads Brings Powerful Seascapes to The Grand Hotel This Summer
International Female Contemporary Artist Carla Raads Brings Powerful Seascapes to The Grand Hotel This Summer.
This summer, international female contemporary artist, Carla Raads, will unveil a deeply personal and immersive exhibition at The Grand Hotel in Lytham St Annes, transforming the iconic seafront destination into a living,
breathing art gallery for six unforgettable months.
Entitled Between Hemispheres, this exhibition marks a major homecoming for Raads. Collected globally for her emotionally intense seascapes and sunset works - touched by her unmistakable hand - this is the artist’s first major show in her hometown of Lytham St Annes.
From Monday 9 June, the walls, halls, and communal spaces of The Grand Hotel will be adorned with bold oil paintings which connect Raads’ South African roots with the coastline of Lytham St Annes. Her signature works, rich in texture and emotion, invite viewers to explore landscapes shaped by memory and movement.
“To show my work here, where I live and create, is incredibly special,” says Raads. “These pieces are born of two
worlds - the drama of the Eastern Cape Coast and the atmospheric beauty of the Lytham shoreline. This exhibition brings those hemispheres together.”
Launch Event – Open to All
To celebrate the opening of the exhibition, the public is warmly invited to join Carla at The Grand Hotel from 2pm on Friday 20 June. The free launch event promises a vibrant summer atmosphere with garden games, print signings, and open access to view the artworks. Families, art lovers, collectors, and curious visitors alike are encouraged to drop in - no tickets or reservations required.
The Grand Hotel as a Living Gallery
Owned by the Webb family and perched along the vibrant Lytham St Annes seafront, The Grand Hotel is renowned for its luxury and hospitality. This collaboration offers guests and visitors a unique way to engage with contemporary art in an unforgettable setting.
“We’re incredibly proud to host Carla’s first hometown exhibition here at The Grand,” said Thomas Webb, Managing Director of The Grand Hotel. “Her work resonates deeply with the spirit of our surroundings — wild, beautiful, and full of emotion. This project brings together two of our passions: beautiful art and creating unique experiences for our guests and community.”
Artist-Led Experiences This Summer
As part of the summer programme, an exclusive Collectors’ Dinner will offer a curated culinary experience in an elegant setting within the hotel—designed for guests with a deep appreciation for art and fine dining. In addition, Carla Raads will host a series of intimate Artist Events, providing rare insight into her creative process for those who value artistic collaboration and exploration. Full event details will be announced shortly.
About Carla Raads
Carla Raads is a contemporary artist celebrated for her hand-painted oil seascapes that evoke powerful connections between place and memory. Born along South Africa’s Eastern Cape and now based in Lytham St Annes, her work is shaped by both continents - often described as “emotion in motion.”
About The Grand Hotel, Lytham St Annes
Situated in the heart of this beloved seaside town, The Grand Hotel offers luxury with a personal touch. A sister property to The Grand at Grasmere, it remains family-owned and celebrated for its beautiful views, warm hospitality, and deep-rooted community connections.