MERTON ART SOCIETY

by Brian Goldsmith On 11th Mar 2011

From the first meeting held in July 1963 to the present day, the Society has been led through the vicissitudes of an ever changing Society. Now with a strong Chairman and Committee, coupled with communication and technology, the Society is a thriving modern group. The 6B pencil and cartridge paper may be history, but the art of creativity remains individual, and Merton Art Society is here to encourage you, who are the future.

Brian Goldsmith. Founding member.

by Angela Lukaszewicz BA hons On 2nd Mar 2011

I became a member of MAS in my 20's now 35 years later I can still remember my first evening at MAS I was very nervous I decided to join on my own because I did not know ANYBODY ELSE who liked to paint. I can remember sitting near the back and if one of the members had not turned around in the interval and spoken to me and introduced me to other members I would probably not have returned .

I was encouraged by the fact that you do not have to be good painter to be accepted I was rubbish at the time but I was allowed to exhibit and gained confidence. Soon after joining I decided to go to art school and gained a Bachelor of arts with hons at Wimbledon school of art . Not an easy thing seeing as I had two young children and it was a four year course. I was working in an office at the time and could not bear the thought of doing that work for years to come.

When I graduated I spent approx 12 years on the committee in various jobs culminating as secretary & Chairman. Since leaving Art school I have worked for 30 odd years At Merton Adult Education Adult College as an art tutor. A great priviledge to have been able to give some of my knowledge back over the years. I have also continued as a freelance artist.


I must commend our present Chairman in her hard work and ability to galvanise the art Society it has never been so healthy, considering all the competition we now have from other forms of entertainment.
We are doing great.

THE MEMBERS ARE ALL VERY FRIENDLY SO JOIN UP AND MEET LIKE MINDED PEOPLE IT COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE TOO.

by Lalitha Manuel On 2nd Mar 2011

Merton Art Society is a worthwhile experience. I joined a few years back - an absolute beginner and have enjoyed the encouragement, information andnd endly help given by the Society. Julia Griffiths is a great chairman and receptive to everyone's ideas

by lalitha manuel On 2nd Mar 2011

I joined some years ago as an absolute beginner. The sessions have been inspiring with a variety of demonstrators working in different mediums. You can't ask for anything better. The programmes are very good and worth the time and money. Come and see for yourself.

by Mark Wiles On 27th Feb 2011

Having only started painting rather late in life Merton Art Society has been a source of encouragement and opportunity firstly to exhibit and secondly to see useful demonstrations by a range of artists. I've enjoyed the group and its activities.

by Daniele Mandelli On 26th Feb 2011

Merton Art Society is a thriving society with an increasing membership. The atmosphere is very friendly. One advantage of joining us at MAS if you are not such a confident artist is that you do not need to be vetted to exhibit. This I feel is important as many new members I talk to lack confidence and feel they could never exhibit their work. Well you can! Some art societies I belong to elsewhere insist on vetting, not much encouragement for a new artist.

I myself joined in 2003 having started painting in 2001, and I am now one of the Exhibition Organisers. We have a great chairman in Julia Griffiths who has taken the society to another level. I myself joined wide eyed, made many new friends, met my future wife, and have developed my painting skills with the support and advice of my Art Society. I would encourage anyone wanting to develop as an artist to join.

by Diana Gardiner On 19th Feb 2011

I joined last September. I have found the group welcoming and supportive. They have a great line up of demo's and workshops.
Great value for money and fun. Wish I had joined ages ago.

by Graciete Amaro On 19th Feb 2011

I joined the MAS a few months ago and I am so very happy I did it. The atmosphere is very pleasant indeed, all members are extremely nice, very friendly people! Our chaiman, Mrs. Julia Griffiths, is very efficient and hard working and keeps us all well informed about the different events.
The painting demonstrations I have seen so far, are of very high standard and I have learned a great deal about the acrylics technique. There is only thing I regret deeply: not to have joined earlier.
It is also a pleasure for me to help at the check in desk when we have our monthly meetings. I can see the smiling faces of our members as they arrive. It is such good value for money to belong to MAS!
Graciete Amaro.

by Angeles Walford On 18th Feb 2011

I am a very recent member and cannot believe what great value for money this society offers. I have attended the last four demonstrations and have been very impressed with the quality of the demonstrators.....Liz Seward and Soraya French are two of my favourite artists and I have been able to watch them paint right in front of my eyes!....How exciting is that.......I sincerely recommend this society and I dont feel intimidated or out of place despite being very new to painting.

by MERTON ART SOCIETY On 13th Feb 2011

I am the Chairman of Merton Art Society. I like to think that I am an enthusiastic and active Chairman, and endevour at all times to raise the profile of this excellent Society. We have a strong membership, of talented local artists, and are a great mix, and a friendly crowd. It is a good place to meet friends old and new, and during our tea break at meetings, we have time to catch up on what others are doing. I believe we are one of the best art Societies in this area. We do not vet artists work. Every member is entitled to exhibit. We want artists to have fun with their hobby, and try to keep everything as laid back as possible. Come, join us, and enjoy our excellent programme. I am sure you will not be disapointed.

by marcelle burton On 13th Feb 2011

This is an excellently-run society for artists of all abilities with demonstrations and workshops every month.
Very friendly, reasonable subscription fee and twice-yearly exhibitions. I've been a member for over 7 years and love it, and it gives a great impetus to one's painting.