Megan Neko: Seldom Seen

We are excited to share that in April 2026, our very own Art & Gallery Project lead, Megan Neko, will step into the spotlight with her first solo exhibition at Level Best Enterprises.

Titled Seldom Seen, this exhibition marks an important moment in Megan’s creative journey. While she has previously exhibited locally and nationally as part of group shows, this will be the first time she has presented a body of work entirely her own.

And there is something rather special about doing it here, at Level Best.

A Creative Journey Rooted in Curiosity

Megan’s creative path began early. She studied art at school, college and university, describing those years as a time when she was “allowed to play, make a mess and be creative.”

Before joining Level Best, she worked locally in museums and galleries, including roles at Colchester & Ipswich Museums, Firstsite and The Minories, as well as working as a picture framer. Today, Megan leads our Art Studio and manages the gallery space alongside planning and facilitating day-to-day creative activity for our Art Trainees with her colleague Beth.

Her approach to creativity goes far beyond drawing or paint on canvas. Megan describes herself as “an all-round creative person.” She is passionate about textile art, modern and traditional craft, performance art, and experimentation, encouraging others to try new techniques and experience different materials. That same spirit of exploration runs through her own work.

Nature, sensory experiences and texture are central influences. She is drawn to abstract expressionism and immersive art experiences. Colour, layering and feeling matter more to her than literal representation.

Why Seldom Seen?

The title Seldom Seen is, as Megan puts it, “describes both my work, and the themes within it’’

The exhibition explores what lies beneath the surface. The unseen. The overlooked. The quiet life that exists underground and at the edges.

Many of her stitched and painted pieces are inspired by:

Marshes
Moss
Seaweed
Insects and bugs
The mycelium network beneath our feet

Megan often works from her own photography, capturing details in the natural world before transforming them into richly layered textile pieces. Though rooted in observation, the final works are abstract, inviting viewers to look again and look deeper.

What to Expect

Megan is primarily an embroiderer working in textile art, and embroidery will form the heart of the exhibition. These tactile pieces will be accompanied by paintings and photographs.

Visitors can expect:

• Bold colour
• Deep layers
• Rich texture
• A sensory experience

To reflect the tactile nature of her work, Megan is introducing a touch table where visitors can explore textures up close. For her, art is something to be experienced physically as well as visually.

Some pieces will be brand new. Other works will be included from previous years that may be familiar to those who have followed Megan’s work. A selection will be available to purchase.

“I hope people are taken aback by the intense, rich colours within the work,” she says, adding that she feels “quietly confident” ahead of her first solo show. ‘’Although it is my first solo outing, it has been a long time in the making’’

What Is the Mycelium Network?

Beneath Our Feet: The Mycelium Network

The mycelium network is the underground web of fine threads that fungi use to grow and communicate. Often described as the “wood wide web,” it connects plants and trees, allowing them to share nutrients and even send warning signals.

Though largely invisible, it plays a vital role in sustaining ecosystems.

Megan’s work draws inspiration from this hidden system. Through layered stitches, threads and colour, she mirrors the intricate, interconnected structures that exist just out of sight. The result is art that feels alive, organic and quietly powerful.

Join Us for the Private View

Megan’s Private View will take place at the Level Best Gallery on Thursday, 2 April from 5pm.

This is an opportunity to meet the artist, explore the exhibition and celebrate a significant milestone in Megan’s creative journey.

Follow Megan’s work on Instagram at @nekorose.embroidery and join us at Level Best to experience Seldom Seen for yourself.

We are proud to support our team not only as leaders and mentors, but as artists in their own right. This exhibition is a celebration of creativity, confidence and the courage to share what is often hidden.

The exhibition ‘Seldom Seen’ will run Monday to Friday from 1-30 April 2026. We look forward to welcoming you.