Bilsdale Arts and Crafts Group

Following a previous Bilsdale Watercolour Group that probably started in the 1960s, the Bilsdale Arts & Crafts Group (BACS) has existed since the early 1980s. It is for people of all artistic levels of ability. Our wonderful professional Art Tutor from Danby, Jacqui Beaumont, coaches you in a non-judgemental way and will move you along the continuum of artist’s skills so that your techniques will improve and you can further develop your own style. Members are very friendly and supportive.

Currently our main base is the Art Room at Rievaulx House, Chop Gate, TS9 7HY but if the winter weather is very bad we meet at The Coppice, Coulby Newham, TS8 0RH.

There are 10 art sessions per term, held on specific Saturdays from 10:00am - 12:00 noon, and 3 terms per academic year. Subscriptions are currently £80 per term to be paid in advance of the first session each term. Coffee/tea and biscuits are provided.

Usually, two art projects are completed each term, each proceeded by a demonstration by Jacqui on Zoom that is recorded and then available via a YouTube link so members can access it at any time. Members can choose a different composition and/or a different medium (such as watercolours, pastels, oil pastels, acrylics, acrylic inks, pencils, oils, charcoal etc) if they wish.

Examples of previous topics include ‘Boats by the Shore’, ‘Morning Sunlight’, ‘A Rocky Place’, ‘A Summer’s Day’, ‘Big Skies’, ‘Into the Night’, ‘Paint your own composition in the style of a famous artist of your choice’, ‘A Wintery Scene’, ‘Butterflies and Bees’, ‘East Meets West’.

We have a WhatsApp group called BACS for sharing photos of our artwork in progress and other information.

We enjoy two social events each academic year (a) a Christmas lunch, usually, in a nearby pub and (b) a summer pooled lunch with partners at an exhibition of our artwork produced that academic year, held at Rievaulx House.

Occasional there will be an art-related trip too.

For any more information please contact the secretary, Jane Gamble, via email janegamble2013@gmail.com