A few of the members gathered in the gallery on Monday, September 18 for a couple hours of sketching and painting a live model.

The model, fellow society member, Helene New had to sit still for a period of time as the others captured her beauty; although, she was allowed to talk. 

“It’s good that it’s a relaxed, casual group,” member Jean Spokes said.

“Art is good therapy,” Helene said.

The activity was run as interval exercises for their art muscles. First they sketched for two minutes, then they start over and sketch for five minutes as part of the warm up, then they move onto the 30 minute session.

All the members work in their medium of choice, with no set rules about what that is.

The group runs different types of activities, with a major one, like this, once a month, trying many different styles as a way of exploring their inner artists.

Anyone is welcome to come out and give it a try, as the group is open to all abilities.

“People have a perception that we are professional, but that’s not the case,” president Tracey Murrell said.

“There’s an artist is everyone,” Jean added.

They describe themselves as a helpful, supportive group with no rules about what to draw or paint and encourage members to “just be yourself”.

Members are welcome to join in on any activity event without restriction to structure and are free to do their own thing.

If interested, you can contact Tracey via email on bartra@bigpond.com or visit the Facebook page.

The art society exhibition runs until October 8, Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 10am-1pm.