What if, for one night, you could forget about being “creative enough” and simply become an artist?
On Friday 18 September, OCA Gallery is opening its doors for Bedazzle & Retro Night — an evening of glitter, gems, creativity, retro gaming.
From 6:30 PM – 10 PM, you’ll have the chance to create your very own piece of art, using an assortment of gems and embellishments to transform a professionally printed artwork into something completely your own.
Just pick your design, get stuck in and see where your imagination takes you.
🎨 Be an Artist for the Night
Forget simply coming along to watch art being made you’re the artist.
Choose from a selection of professionally printed designs and start building your own piece. Add colour, texture, gems and sparkle wherever you want. Keep it neat and considered, go completely over the top, or somewhere in between.
There are no rules about what your finished artwork should look like.
That's the point.
For one evening, the gallery becomes your studio and you get to experiment, play and create something that reflects your personality.
✨ Make It Yours
This isn't about following a step-by-step tutorial or trying to copy somebody else's work.
It's about making creative decisions.
Where should the sparkle go?
How much is too much?
Should you keep it sophisticated or completely bedazzle the thing?
There’s no wrong answer.
You might discover that you're far more creative than you thought — or simply discover that you really enjoy covering things in glitter. Either way, you're an artist for the night.
🕹️ Create, Play & Unwind
Once you've had enough of the serious business of being an artist, there’s plenty more to get stuck into.
Take a break from your masterpiece and jump onto the retro arcade consoles, challenge your friends to a game and enjoy the nostalgic side of the evening.
It's part creative workshop, part social night and part throwback gaming session — all happening inside the gallery.
Come to make something.
Stay for the games.
Leave with something you actually want to put on your wall.
🥂 A Night Out With a Difference
Whether you're coming with friends, looking for something different to do on a Friday night, or simply fancy trying something you've never done before, Bedazzle & Retro Night is designed to be relaxed, social and a little bit ridiculous.
You don't need to consider yourself an artist.
You don't need to know anything about art.
And you definitely don't need to take yourself too seriously.
Just turn up, grab some sparkle and become an artist for the night.
📍 OCA Gallery, St Albans
Friday 18 September 2026
6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
✨ Create your own artwork
💎 Bedazzle it with gems, crystals and glitter
🖼️ Take home your finished framed piece
🕹️ Play retro arcade games
🥂 Enjoy a fun, relaxed evening at the gallery
Come for the sparkle. Stay for the games. Leave as an artist.