We are a group of local artists based in the Leyland and South Ribble area aiming to foster the artistic talents of local people and to encourage a general interest in art within a friendly club setting. We display our work in exhibitions at various locations around the region. Visitors and members of other art groups are most welcome.
The first of our optional themes for 2026 finished this week. 'Zoo' was the subject and any animal you would find in a zoo was allowed. The final piece did not need to depict the animal in a zoo but that option was available. Here are the submissions to date. Click any picture fo a larger view.
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We are so pleased to be returning to Leyland Library this year. The display will be running from the start of March to to the end of may. As space is somewhat limited we will be swapping out paintings over this time so everyone in the group has an opportunity to show their work on our home turf.
Click the image below to see a slideshow of the work currently on view or [CLICK HERE] to watch on YouTube.
Many of our members entered work into this years Harris Open Art Exhibition. Unfortunately none were winners this year. Mural artist Shawn Sharpe and art expert from the University of Central Lancashire Professor Peter Lloyd judged over 400 pieces of artwork submitted. Here are the winners...
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| In first place was a piece called 'How do you like me now?' by Minnie Kennedy. Picture Credit; The Harris |
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| The second prize went to Martin Junju for 'The Librarian' |
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| Stephanie Harlow took third prize for 'I thought you were dying' |
The exhibition is open until the end of April. [CLICK HERE] to visit the Harris Website. The Harris, Market Square, Preston. PR1 2PP
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Stephen was elected to fill the position of chair after the sad loss
of founder member Joan Hassall as we neared the end of 2025. He has been
with the group for fourteen years and admitted that Joan would be a hard act
to follow but would do his best. The task of herding cats sprang to mind!
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When our previous secretary became ill just before the Covid lock down Paul
stepped up to the mark to cover the secretarial duties. For five years he has
done an exceptional job and we are honoured that he was willing to continue in
the position for another twelve months.
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Bryan took over the role of treasurer at the beginning of 2025 following the
sudden sad loss of Mike Ainsworth. Bryan keeps us in line financially and has
even brought us into the 21st Century by introducing online financing.
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Exhibitions can take a bit of organising and Sue is top notch at handling the logistics and associated communications. She wears many hats and juggles umpteen tasks at once including the tea rota!
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Mildred dives in and helps out other committee members in times of heavy workload and is always keen to get her hands dirty. Along with volunteer members she assists Susan with picture collating and hanging when exhibitions are organised. She is also a listening ear to the group.
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Quizes, puzzles, games, food and drink, along with pleasant company was the recipe for a very enjoyable end of year party. Our last meeting of 2025 wrapped up a busy year. This years winner of the John Emmerton Trophy was Paul with one of his acrylics he produced this year. Below are all the entrants for this year. Click/Tap an image for a larger view.
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| Paul being presented with the trophy by last year's winner Sue Redman |
Our Shadows Theme finished on the 13th November and here are the entries from our members. More will follow. click/tap on an image for a larger view.
These optional themes are an opportunity to develop a piece of your own design in a medium of your choice depicting the chosen subject in any way you feel.
Our exhibition at Chorley Library is now on display and will run until the end of December. Great to see works from some of our newer members included in the paintings on display. [CLICK HERE] for Library opening times and directions.
Chorley Library, Union Street, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 1EB
Click an image for a larger view. Photo credits: Sue Redman.
Last weeks theme Tranquil came to an end and here are the pictures our members submitted for the theme.
The interpretation of this theme could be anything you found tranquil or relaxing. From a lazy summer evening to the view over the bedding on a Duvet Day, you were only limited only by your imagination!
Click/Tap an image for a larger view.
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In tonight's meeting member Stephen Watson presented a hands on workshop introducing three dimensional geometric art. Everyone in the group took part and produced a cube made from six identical folded paper units. This unit, called a Sonobe Unit, devised in the late 1960's by the well known origami artist Mitsunobu Sonobe, can be interlocked to form many geometric structures.
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| The Sonobe Unit made from a 15cm square of paper |
The folding of the units was completed in time for the tea break and after some cake and a cuppa it was time to assemble the cube -as seen on the right in the image- amid much lighthearted laughter.
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| Hexahedra, Cube, Octohedra and Icosahedra built from the Sonobe Unit |
Is Origami and art or a craft?
This question has been asked many times and, in my opinion, it is both and neither. 95% of origami has written or visual instructions and so is repeatable. If it can be authentically replicated then it can be considered a craft as anyone with the right skill set can create the same item. However, a small percentage of Origami can be so complex that it transcends the ability to be illustrated or documented. At this level the artist introduces a manipulation of paper on spec, creatively, artistically, involving many hundreds of folds, curves and creases to the point that it becomes unrepeatable, even by the original artist! As long as the Origami rules of no cutting or tearing are observed, the model has become an artistic interpretation. And while something approximating it can be produced, it is not the same as the original, just as a Rembrant painted by Sharon from Facebook is not a Rembrant.
Repeatable Origami models and structures can also be employed in mixed media pieces and so be considered art.
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A work by Stephen Waston from 2015 entitled Organic Carbon 60. Size: 24" x 18" |
These optional themes are an opportunity to develop a piece of your own design in a medium of your choice depicting the chosen subject in any way you feel.
This subject can be fluid (pun intended) in interpretation. Anything from a raging sea to a drop of dew on a petal. Below are our members interpretation of this theme.
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