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Preston Art Society is looking for new members, 65 years after it was formed to encourage the appreciation and practice of the visual arts.
The friendly group is made up of amateur and professional artists who meet to share art skills and gain inspiration from pro demonstrators.
Member Judith Tanczos told Blog Preston: “People who are thinking of taking up or returning to art could benefit from our group and its activities. Visitors are always welcome to see what we do.”
The Society’s current programme began in September 2024 and has so far featured a number of talented professional artists showing their work and techniques.
“We’ve had Sky Portrait Artist of the Year Finalist, Liam Dickinson, along to demonstrate his technique of painting a portrait in oils,” said Judith. “While professional artist and teacher Anthony Barrow created a contemporary portrait in charcoal and acrylic washes.
Member-led practical sessions also take place and cover various topics, including making brushes and tools for mark-making, and how to display and frame artworks.
Meetings take place at St Margaret’s Parish Centre in Ingol.
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Preston Art Society’s upcoming meetings
Wednesday 5 March
Adventures in a northern landscape. Julia Swarbrick, painter and printmaker will be visiting to demonstrate and talk about her process.
Wednesday 19 March
Well-known local professional artist Norman Long talks about his oil painting technique.
Wednesday 2 April
The Art Shop, Skipton, are bringing their pop up shop, plus a demo or hands on session with various products.
Wednesday 16 April
Cafe People. Linda Hull leads a practical session on drawing people in cafes A materials list will be available nearer the time.
Wednesday 7 May
Les Darlow, Dynamic Skies. Demonstration using pastel and watercolour to produce dramatic skyscapes.
Wednesday 21 May
Pop up exhibition on the theme of ‘The things we leave behind’ inspired by photographer Jill Reidy’s visit in February. She will return to see what members have achieved in response to the theme she set.
On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May, the Preston Art Society and New Longton Artists Annual exhibition will take place at New Longton Village Hall.
From June to August, the Society has a summer programme where members meet up to paint and sketch outdoors.
Venues are to be confirmed, but previous years’ destinations included Lytham Hall and Garden, Preston Docks, Haslam Park, Avenham and Miller Parks, and Astley Hall.
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This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to [email protected] for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.
