Broadmayne Art Group

Having been frequently asked to start an Art Group in Broadmayne, I placed a notice in the church magazine to see what sort of response I would get. It was very good. The church hall was selected as the venue and in October 1995 Broadmayne Art Group came into being. At the time I was in the process of selling my business, The Harbour Gallery in Weymouth, so my paintings were quite well known – particularly those of Weymouth Harbour. I found that would-be-artists from local villages, Dorchester and Weymouth were keen to learn watercolour technique.

At the end of each year it was decided to hold an exhibition of the group’s work in the village hall with the support of local craft-people. An advertisement announcing the exhibition is put in the local Evening Echo newspaper. The exhibitions are a great success, with costs divided between the Exhibitors. There is great support from everyone and it has become quite an annual social occasion.

In 1998 I was asked about the possibility of teaching oil-painting. Unfortunately interest proved to be insufficient so, as yet, this has not materialised. During the summer, when the evenings are warm, the Group goes out and about painting and if the church hall is not available the Group is welcomed at the author’s home to watch videos by well-known artists. This really stimulates the Group’s interest to get their brushes out again. The Group is now well established with excellent support from members who are looking forward to continuing well into the new Millennium.

Sandy Gore