Association of Formby Artists

Formby Art Club is the Association of Formby Artists, meeting weekly on Wednesday afternoons and evenings, with two exhibitions a year in May and November.

History of the Association

A local teacher and commercial artist, Eric Gerrard, and about forty others met on 2nd March 1964, to discuss the setting up of the Association, resulting its first meeting in a local garden chalet a few weeks later. Regular meetings continued here until increased numbers forced a search for new , larger premises. In 1971 the Association obtained the use of an old railway signals workshop in Freshfield Station “goods yard” which the members converted into a studio.

The Association flourished and increased its membership, always keen to help each other and fulfil their motto ‘Alios ad felicitatem adjuvte’ ( help others to enjoy themselves).

On 26th September, the Association held the first of its six-monthly exhibitions which continue, to this day, to be held each Spring and Autumn in Holy Trinity Parish Hall.

Disaster struck on 25th August 1984 when the studio was destroyed by fire. Undaunted, the Association moved temporarily to Holy trinity Church Hall and later to Formby High school, before returning to the Church Hall in 1987 where it has remained ever since, meeting in the Jubilee Hall, during the winter months each Wednesday afternoon and evening.

The words of the Founder Chairman, Eric Gerrard, are as relevant today as in 1964, when written, “We need to encourage all members to show their paintings in our Exhibitions, irrespective of how amateurish the owners may consider them to be . We want to show the work of the amateur as well as the more advanced painter”.


Weekly

During the Autumn and Winter months the Association meets indoors weekly on Wednesdays at two separate sessions; afternoon and evening. Both sessions may be attended (space permitting). Members usually work on pictures of their own choice. There is no formal instruction. Ideas are shared in a positive manner and support is given by the most experienced members. Any medium may be used. A short break for tea and biscuits provides a good opportunity for socialising.

During the summer months members meet out doors on Wednesday afternoons at pre selected venues to draw and paint. Again there are afternoon and evening sessions both of which members can attend.

A small library of books featuring well known artists is available for borrowing as are several DVDs. A mount cutter is available when framing pictures and an epidiascope allows the production of exact dimensions of a subject being copied- for example from a photograph.


Demonstrations

Six demonstrations a year are given by mainly professional artists. A range of media is covered to cater for as many interests as possible and the sessions are open to all members (and paying guests) irrespective of their normal attendance times. A camera, projector, screen and sound equipment, courtesy of the National Lottery, has improved the viewing and overall presentation of the artist’s detailed work.


Exhibitions

Spring and Autumn, one day exhibitions, are held annually in the Holy Trinity Church Hall. All members are encouraged to exhibit their work. Many newcomers to art and the Association have been pleasantly surprised to see their work when framed and set up on the display screens. Pictures may be sold but the main purpose is to provide pleasure to the viewing public. Trophies are awarded to those artists whose picture(s) are considered by both the visiting public and Club members worthy of them. An original painting by a professional artist is usually raffled.


Occasional Events

One Saturday afternoon in the year (usually Autumn) a professional artist is invited to provide instruction, guidance and help to a group of members (usually about 20) to produce a painting under his/her close tuition . There is a charge for these ‘Paintalongs’ based on the artist’s fee and the cost of the room hire.

In December each year, on one Wednesday evening, a members’ Christmas Dinner is held. The occasion provides an opportunity for members to meet and socialise I a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

The Annual General Meeting of the Association is held one Wednesday evening in February each year when officers and committee are elected and members are given an opportunity to have a say on the running of the Association