Open day to encourage budding Manx artists to join society

Both budding artists and those who “haven’t picked up a pencil in years” are being encouraged to join an open day to get involved in the Isle of Man Arts Society.

The event, from 14:00 to 16:00 BST on Saturday at the Thie Ellyn workshop in Douglas, will give people an opportunity to speak to existing members and watch art demonstrations.

Rosie Greening who joined in 2021, said, “being an artist can be a very solitary pursuit, it’s not a team sport”, but joining the society had meant she had “joined a really lovely community”.

Founded in 1953 with 28 artists involved, its membership has since grown to more than 300.

The society said membership was “open to anyone who is interested in art”, with artists meeting most days at their headquarters to make the most of the space and facilities.

The taster session would give those interested the opportunity to explore the space and enjoy watercolour, ink and acrylic presentations, it said.

Greening, who has recently released a collection of her pencil drawings of Manx flora and fauna, said: “Not everybody has the room at home to paint or put out lots of drawings, so it’s great to have that space there.”

She said she had also found visiting Thie Ellyn had helped her to make “great friends” after moving to the island four years ago, who had also inspired her when “in a bit of a creative funk”.

The artist said “a real mix of styles and abilities” could be found during the weekly sessions held at the headquarters in the Manx capital.

This meant people could “get on with their own thing” or get “as much support as they need” in the space, she said.

Fellow member Kim Gurry said she had not “picked up a pencil or painted since school” before deciding to train and learn again in art and clay in 2022.

Joining the society the following year, she said learning from established artists had also helped to “build up my confidence in drawing and painting again”, alongside formal training.

She said if you were “returning to art” or wanted to start becoming a member it would “point you in the right direction on your art journey”, she added.