When the founder members met 50 years ago in the Yorkshire village of Menston, on the edge of Ilkley moor, they decreed that the aim of the new Club should be: ‘to encourage expression and appreciation of the visual ARTS’
and that aim has been followed faithfully, ever since, by subsequent members.
Those founder members, Alfred Wilkinson, Paul Buckingham. Charlie Marchinton and Ann Carr, were led by Richard Bayer – David Hockney’s tutor, mentor and friend. Ann Carr is still an active member producing fine work that she regularly exhibits.
Membership has to be limited to 80 for building safety, which results in a waiting list for vacancies. Alas, the original annual subscription of £1.10 shillings has had to be increased over the years and is now £45.00.
Club members meet in the village on most weeks throughout the year at the Kirklands Community Centre. The syllabus for the meetings is diverse with lectures on art history and collections, demonstrations of technique ranging from painting and drawing to Origami and workshops with visitors or their own members on a wide range of ART subjects.
Twice a year they have a two-day exhibition of members’ work in the large hall of the Kirklands Centre. Member are encouraged to submit three framed works for hanging and can also exhibit a portfolio of up to twelve unframed pieces. Most of the work is for sale. There is a craft stall exhibiting and selling members’ hand-made work and the whole is supported by a refreshment stall.
In recent years a group of members have joined together for a painting weekend at Cober Hill in the Yorkshire dales and more recently entered a nationwide competition organised by the SAA involving sharing in the use of a ‘lay flat’ sketchpad. The Club’s work was judged ‘highly recommended’ and the pictures were subsequently used in a limited-edition calendar. The calendar was almost completely sold out at the November exhibition.
The last copy of that calendar will be displayed at the Club’s next exhibition in May 2016. This will be a special event. To celebrate the Club’s 50th anniversary there will be a preview evening which they hope will be opened by a noteworthy artist or patron of the arts.
Menston Arts Club Spring Exhibition of Paintings and Crafts 50th Anniversary.
Saturday and Sunday 14 – 15 May 2016
10.30 – 5.00 ( 4.30 on Sunday )
Kirklands Community Centre, Main Street, Menston.
Admission free, refreshments available, disabled access and ample parking.
