How
we came about.
The art
club developed from a six-week drawing class for beginners
at the Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre in Cwmbran, which was
organised by the local Community College in 1987. At the end
of the six weeks many of the class members were very keen
to continue with drawing. The Arts Centre encouraged us by
providing a rent free room in the centre, where we could meet
as a self-help group. Gradually we developed our interest
in art and many of us attended local art classes and quite
a few studied at GCSE level and went on to take their A level
in art.
Our development
and philosophy.
Over the
years we have become more structured in our organisation with
a full complement of officers and even a bank account, but
we still retain our happy go lucky approach and don't take
ourselves too seriously. Our aim is to enjoy painting and
drawing, and have fun.
Where we meet.
The club
meets weekly at the Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre in Cwmbran.
The building is a farm house converted into a gentleman's
residence during the 19th century. The foundations of the
house date back to the 12th century when the Cistercian Abbey
at Llantarnam, founded in 1179, set up a number of monastic
farms called granges, of which Llantarnam Grange is the only
remaining one. So you can see our meetings take place on a
very historical site.
The Arts
Centre has a full programme of exhibitions throughout the
year and we are fortunate to have the opportunity of viewing
a wide range of art, including ceramics, sculptures and paintings.
Where we live.
The location
of Cwmbran, in the Borough of Torfaen is an ideal one for
the artist. The area of South East Wales in the ancient county
of Gwent has a vast variety of painting subjects which include,
castles, churches, canals, mountains, lakes and relics of
the industrial revolution such as iron works, mines etc.
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