Art Society Wensleydale Outing To Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Having been picked up by the coach in either Leyburn or Bedale, twenty-six of us set off. Lots of us had visited the Sculpture Park before, but many had had it on their wish list for ages and were delighted to finally have the chance to explore the wonderful displays.

On arriving, we were met by the assistant curator, Louise, who explained the history and the development of YSP. Most of the sculptures are not owned by them but are on long-term loan from the sculptors or their estate. This allows for the displays to change over time and for new exhibits to be shown.

John Singer Sargent Exhibition - Kenwood House

On a rain threatened morning last week, thirty-seven members set off for Kenwood House which is in Hampstead and was originally built in the 17th century.

Our essential first port of call was the delightful outdoor coffee shop which was an opportunity for us all to relax, meet up and mingle in the sunshine. Our appointment to view the John Singer Sargent exhibition was booked for 12.30 pm so there was time to view the permanent exhibition in the other rooms of the elegant Victorian house or to explore the well-tended, extensive gardens.

Visit to Dorneywood

Thirty four members of our Arts Society gathered on 23 June to be warmly welcomed by our host, the Secretary of the Dorneywood Trust, in the garden at Dorneywood. We were the first group to visit the newly opened House this year. As we entered each room, volunteers offered expert advice and willingly answered any questions. It was decorated with artworks, English bone china plus the book collections of the industrialist Lord Courtauld Thomson who lived there comfortably with his sister and subsequently gifted the House to the National Trust with the stipulation that it should be used as

STUDY COURSE ORGANISER ROLE

The GLA has successfully run study days in central London of many years. We are totally dependent on a team of volunteer Study Course Organisers (SCO) to innovate, organise and execute the days. It’s a popular and fulfilling role that takes relatively little time and suits those with a passion for the arts who want to learn more, meet people and have fun at the same time.

Basic computer skills are all that is needed. Any support needed to get started will be readily available from the rest of the team

Exhibition of Joseph Wright's Art at National Gallery

Fancy a day out in London before Christmas? By coincidence, just one month after our lecture on the work of Joseph Wright, a special exhibition called Wright of Derby - From the Shadows opens on 7 November in the Sunley Room of the National Gallery. It runs until 10 May 2026.

Trail of Discovery - Exploring the Tamar Valley

The Arts Society South West Area Tamar Valley Trail

Take the opportunity to explore and discover the beautiful Tamar Valley and its historic towns and villages with this trail. As well as travelling by car some of the places can be visited by boat or by train.

Koestler Trust

Each year the GLA supports the Koestler Trust with monetary awards as prizes for creative work as part of their objectives in bringing the arts to those in secure premises. Here is part of their report for 2024 ...

"Your Support in 2024

We received 7,613 entries to the 2024 Koestler Awards, and were able to give out £31,765 in prize money

We provided further encouragement to entrants under the age of 25 by giving out 39 special awards and £975 of additional prize money to this age group

In The Picture

Members might be interested in the following event, taking place in Lewes:

When: 18th September 2025 7:30 pm

Where: Lewes Town Hall

Who: Art critic and broadcaster Andrew Graham-Dixon

What: In The Picture: In this wide-ranging talk, Andrew plays the role both of biographer and detective to discuss the principles and practice of art appreciation. He will explore some of his favourite paintings from many different corners of the history of art, telling the fascinating stories that lie behind them and revealing their often hidden me

First 2025/26 trip announced: and its Strawberry Hill House and Gardens, and Turner's House!

We’re delighted to be offering a day trip with tours around Strawberry Hill House & Garden, Twickenham and nearby Turner’s House on Wednesday October 22nd, following this trip’s clear win in the recent visits survey. £73 including coach and lunch. Book soon - numbers are limited.

For full details, please see the Events section of the website.

BOOKINGS - Contact Adrian at taseeventsec@gmail.com or on 07596 761109.

New Members welcome!

We operate an annual membership, open to all, which gives members access to nine monthly lectures, our regular newsletter and the quarterly Arts Society magazine. For an annual subscription of £52 for the 2025/26 season, that is less than £6 per lecture.

We welcome all new members!

Due to space constraints at East Dean Village Hall, where we hold our regular monthly lectures, we must limit member numbers. When we reach our member limit, we run a waiting list which operates on a strict first-come, first-served basis.

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