A Norfolk art collective is set to launch a programme of events, workshops and exhibitions as it marks 135 years as a group.

Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle was established in 1885 following Crome & Cotman’s famous Norwich Society of Artists and has included in its membership artists of national and international acclaim such as Alfred Munnings, Edward Seago and Bernard Reynolds.

And now, with more than 200 members it is set to host 20 events and workshops across the county and beyond – including their 201st exhibition.

All are invited to attend the packed programme of exhibitions, demonstrations, life classes, workshops and talks.

Life classes take place on a monthly basis from March to November (excluding July and August) and workshops will concentrate on oils, watercolours, ink work, acrylics and mixed media.

A number of well-known artists will host demonstrations on techniques including Brian Korteling, Rachel Thomas, Sue Williams and Mo Teeuw.

Chairman of the group Hazel Pidsley said: “Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle is delighted to be hosting our monthly programme of demonstrations and life classes which are open to members and non- members. This really gives everyone a chance to experience artists using different mediums and a variety of styles of art.

“We also invite exciting artists to hold workshops throughout the year, which builds people’s expertise and knowledge from artists that are at the top of their profession.

“In May we will be hosting our 201st exhibition at the Forum in Norwich. I welcome everyone to come and view and purchase works of art that our members have created.

“There is a vast variety of work on show and we are pleased to show it in this prestigious venue which is accessible to all.”

The group’s 201st exhibition takes place at The Forum in Norwich between May 9th and 14th and will feature painting and drawing in a variety of mediums, digital art, 3D work and sculpture.

Later in the year the collective will be travelling to the Munnings Museum in Dedham, Essex in a ground-breaking collaboration between the two organisations to mark the strong links of Sir Alfred Munnings and the Norwich and Norfolk Art Circle.

Entrance to demonstrations and life classes is open to members and non-members with pay-on-the- door entry. All workshops are bookable in advance – members £25 and non-members £35.

Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle welcome new members who are artists or interested in art. For more information please contact Hazel Pidsley via [email protected] or visit www.nnartcircle.com

Story Kate Royall [email protected]

About Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle

The Circle began as the Norwich Art Circle in 1885, following Crome & Cotman’s famous Norwich Society of Artists.

It acquired its full title about forty years later when it merged with the Woodpeckers Art Club, presided over by Nugent Monck. After this, its members increased dramatically. The NNAC has included in its membership artists of national and international acclaim such as Arnesby Brown,

Alfred Munnings, Jeffery Camp, Michael Andrews, Bernard Meadows, Edward Seago, Bernard Reynolds and Ian Houston.

The Circle is open to anyone over the age of 17, who is interested in the practice or appreciation of the visual arts and who has connections with East Anglia. Many members have had formal art training, others pursue drawing, painting, printmaking, or sculpture as a pastime. Others simply enjoy learning more about the subject they have always loved. This wide intake leads to a lively exchange of ideas and techniques, providing influences of mutual benefit.

The Circle is run by a Council democratically elected at its Annual General Meeting. The Council organises the yearly programme, and selects the work for the members’ exhibitions. Each year, one third of the Council retires, and a new Chairman is elected. In this way, every member helps to steer the future of the group.

The NNAC is proud of its achievements and its democratic system which has served it well for over one hundred years.

2020 programme of events

Saturday 22nd February
Demonstration – Pen and wash by Will Harvey
United Reformed Church, 40-42 Ipswich Road, Norwich. NR4 6QR. 1.45-4pm Free for members, £3 for non-members

Wednesday 11th March Life Class
United Reformed Church 40-42 Ipswich Road, Norwich NR4 6QR 9.30 for 10am-1pm Members £8, £10 for non-members

Saturday 7th March
Workshop – Mixed media with Rachel Thomas
Nelson Infant School, Northumberland Street, Norwich NR2 4EH 9.30 for 10am-4pm Members £25. Non-members £35

Wednesday 8th April Life Class
United Reformed Church 40-42 Ipswich Road, Norwich NR4 6QR 9.30 for 10am-1pm Members £8, £10 for non-members

Saturday 25th April
Demonstration – Painting flowers in watercolour and inks by Sue Williams United Reformed Church, 40-42 Ipswich Road, Norwich. NR4 6QR. 1.45-4pm Free for members, £3 for non-members

Saturday 9th – Thursday 14th April
201st NNAC exhibition at The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich
Saturday from 1 – 5pm. Sunday 10am to 4pm. Monday to Thursday 10am to 5pm. Free entry

Wednesday 13th May Life Class
United Reformed Church 40-42 Ipswich Road, Norwich NR4 6QR 9.30 for 10am-1pm Members £8, £10 for non-members

Saturday 23rd May
Talk about Munnings Museum by the Director Jenny Hand
United Reformed Church, 40-42 Ipswich Road, Norwich NR4 6QR. 1.45- 4pm Members free, Non-members £3

Wednesday 10th June Life Class
United Reformed Church 40-42 Ipswich Road, Norwich NR4 6QR 9.30 for 10am-1pm Members £8, £10 for non-members

Saturday 20th June
Workshop – Acrylics with Hashim Akib
Nelson Infant School, Northumberland Street, Norwich NR2 4EH 9.30 for 10am-4pm Members £25. Non-members £35

Saturday 27th June
Demonstration – Semi-abstract in oils by Brian Korteling
United Reformed Church, 40-42 Ipswich Road, Norwich. NR4 6QR. 1.45-4pm Free for members, £3 for non-members

Wednesday 8th – Sunday 12th July
202nd Exhibition at Munnings Museum, Castle Hill, Dedham, Essex CO7 6AZ
Free entry for the exhibition. Workshops can be booked and a fee will be charged

Saturday 25th July
Demonstration – Abstracting the Art in oils by John Shave Free for members, £3 for non-members

Wednesday 9th September Life Class
United Reformed Church 40-42 Ipswich Road, Norwich NR4 6QR 9.30 for 10am- 1pm Members £8, £10 for non-members

Saturday 26th September
Demonstration – Plein air in oils with Mo Teeuw
United Reformed Church, 40-42 Ipswich Road, Norwich. NR4 6QR. 1.45-4pm Free for members, £3 for non-members

Saturday 3rd October
Workshop – Along the Coast in oils, watercolour and inks with Sue Williams and John Shave Nelson Infant School, Northumberland Street, Norwich NR2 4EH 9.30 for 10am-4pm
Members £25. Non-members £35

Wednesday 14th October Life Class
United Reformed Church 40-42 Ipswich Road, Norwich NR4 6QR 9.30 for 10am-1pm Members £8, £10 for non-members

Saturday 24th October
Demonstration – Construction and Deconstruction in watercolour by Denise Allen United Reformed Church, 40-42 Ipswich Road, Norwich. NR4 6QR. 1.45-4pm Free for members, £3 for non-members

Sunday 1st – Saturday 7th November
203rd Exhibition at St Margaret’s Church, St Benedict’s Street, Norwich NR2 4TU Entry free

Wednesday 14th November Life Class
United Reformed Church 40-42 Ipswich Road, Norwich NR4 6QR 9.30 for 10am-1pm Members £8, £10 for non-members

 

---