The annual exhibition of the Dudley Society of Artists is on display until 10th January in the top gallery of Dudley Museum and Art Gallery. I joined the society this year and very much value their quiet, supportive and inclusive approach. A typical weekly meeting includes members drawing a life model, others doing their own thing, a themed display of members’ work along one wall, or the work and sketchbooks of one featured member, and also regular workshops and appraisal evenings. There is a tradition of quiet in the first hour or so of the meeting, relaxing to general chat in the second half. Professional artists are very generous in sharing their experience, newcomers are appreciated and made welcome. No hierarchies and no cliques.
The work on display is well worth a visit. There is opportunity for visitors to vote for a public favourite, and in typical DSA fashion, the prize of £25 does not to go to the artist but instead to one of the people who have voted for them.
I have one small relief print in the exhibition.
Lovely to hear about the society. I’m going to try to make a visit to see the exhibition!