Thursday, September 9 2010

For many decades, artists living in New England have come together in small social groups to paint and enjoy the art world. The level of ability is wide ranging and includes virtually all media, oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastels and more. The painting groups generally paint together in Church Basements, Town Halls and lodge halls throughout the rural communities. The groups vary in size and an average group size might be about twenty artists with seven to twelve artists painting together on a given day. Some group members are just starting out but others have been painting for decades. Some are self-taught and some have a formal art education.

There is no formal instruction at group meetings. Artists simply learn from one another by observing and asking questions when they see something that interests them.

The Keene Public Library along with the Monadnock Area Artists Association has a painting group meeting every Thursday morning from 10:00 to noon. The program is open to the public with no fees or admission. One simply needs to provide ones own art materials. The group meets in Heberton Hall next to the Library and is a wonderful place to paint. No advance notice is required. Just show up, meet some fellow artists, new friends, and enjoy yourself.