Salford Art Club looking for new members in its 70th year

Salford Art Club has a long and proud history with L S Lowry himself having attended in the very early days and is now looking for new members to follow in his footsteps.

Artist and chairman Philip Westcott is clearly proud of the club, which is 70 years old and runs weekly in Salford Museum and Art Gallery.

The Art Club currently has around 30 members and its latest exhibition, the 40th in its history, is running at Salford Art Gallery until December 3.

Video Credit Philip Westcott

Mr Westcott said people attend for many reasons: “Some people come for relaxation and getting away from everyday life, for some it’s just a hobby.”

Art clubs have always been popular with older people who may have more free time, but younger people are now taking advantage of the many benefits art can provide. The group has a wide range of people attending, a variety of ages and skill levels. Everyone is welcome.

Taking part in an art club regularly can increase wellbeing, focus the mind and help to combat loneliness.

During Covid, Mr Westcott ensured the members could still access the club online, creating challenges to keep members engaged and motivated. They did the one inch challenge where they did a one inch painting each day during Covid.

Salford Art Club costs £25 annual membership plus a weekly attendance fee of £1.50. Anyone who is interested can attend for a few weeks paying the weekly fee before deciding if they want to take a full membership.

Club members are currently focusing on portraits.

Sketches created of the Barton Theatre Company actors.

They sketched two members of the Barton Theatre Company, who will be performing in The Gingerbread Man at The Lowry this Christmas. The actors were in full costume so the artists were able to sketch a pantomime dame and a wicked queen.

There’s a second session with two more performers on Saturday November 11 if you’re tempted. The sessions run 1pm-3pm each Saturday (1.45pm this Saturday because there is an event in the gallery.)

Sessions at the Art Club change in format weekly, there are portrait sessions, while “still life tends to be on a set theme like autumn or winter”, said Mr Westcott. Each month there is a workshop, usually with a different guest artist sharing skills and ideas.

To try out a session contact Mr Westcott or call in to the gallery.

Further details of the Art Club can be found on its website https://www.salfordartclub.com/2023-exhibition-opening.html