Artists hope exhibition will help draw new members (From Worcester News)

Artists hope exhibition will help draw new members

5:13pm Thursday 18th October 2012 in News By Tarik Al Rasheed

FOR the last 65 years, like-minded artistic individuals have been meeting to share their passion for painting, drawing and sketching under the banner of Worcester Society of Artists.

Boasting a membership of almost 70, the society meets every Monday evening in St John’s, Worcester, either to practice their skills or enjoy demonstrations and presentations from members and visiting artists alike.

While the group encompasses members of a wide range of abilities, they are all united by a common love of art and being creative.

Peter Bailes, aged 74 and a member for the last seven years, said: “All of the members produce artwork to varying degrees of ability but, most of all, we get great pleasure from what we do.”

Mr Bailes, of Midhurst Close, first started painting more than 40 years ago but put down his brushes for more than 25 years until being inspired to take up the hobby again after spotting an advert entitled “Art for the Terrified” in your Worcester News. “While still on this course I learned of the Worcester Society of Artists and soon after I enrolled and was made welcome from the very beginning,” he said.

As they celebrate the group’s 65th anniversary, Mr Bailes and his fellow artists are staging an exhibition of their work at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, in Foregate Street, until Saturday, November 10.

They also regularly exhibit at venues including the Swan Theatre and Guildhall, in Worcester.

New members are welcome. Anyone interested in getting involved can find out more at the exhibition or by visiting worcesterart.co.uk.