Preston Grange Art Group

All keen artists of all levels are welcome!

Preston Grange Art Group was formed 11 years ago in February 2001 by Kathy Storey and Chairman Larry Miles. The two had met at other art classes and had started to feel that they would get on just as well if not better if they formed their own group, with the intention of moving away from the restrictions a formal class or school of art can sometimes bring.
They began very slowly and soon found that as they had some good painters within the group that they had established themselves as a club. They formed a committee and a program and as their reputation grew they found that they attracted some talented artists as members as well as beginners who are new to art, both of which were more than welcome within the club.

The group meet every Thursday morning to paint and work together, with the odd demonstration given, sometimes by Chairman Larry Miles who is experienced in working with watercolour. In general the atmosphere within the group has always been completely relaxed and friendly. Those interested can come along and have a try to see if they enjoy it without any pressure at all to join, and many then decide to stay. Whilst anyone is welcome most of the members are local and close friends so essentially they come together and encourage each other, and as it was put to me by one of the members, they ‘are really a social group who also paint!’

After the group had been running for four years and had been going well it was decided to hold an exhibition, which was so successful that it is now repeated every year. Alongside a Christmas fair, the annual exhibition is held on the last Saturday of November with all the proceeds going to a different charity every year. The group are also fortunate to have been able to spend a week’s holiday in the Lake District for the last six years to gain new inspiration for work and enjoy socializing together.
Preston Grange Art Group does not currently have a website but they do have a blog which can be seen at this address: http://www.prestongrangeartgroup.blogspot.com/. Anyone interested in coming along to the painting sessions or becoming a full time member are more than welcome and will find information on the blog site.