The weekend’s rather apocalyptic weather forecast didn’t help sales at the 5+2 Collective’s art exhibition at the St Mary’s Centre in Rye. Whilst Sunday saw a steady flow of visitors to see the local artists’ work, Saturday, June 7 was a washout. As well as paintings, crafts, textiles and modern prints – and 3D printing – were on show.
Five of the regular artists at its exhibitions are part of the Tuesday Painters Club of Rye, which has been running since 1961. The club is preparing for its annual summer exhibition in August but is facing a challenge shared by most volunteer-run organizations in Rye and elsewhere – the future of the group is at stake unless new or old members step forward.
Founded by a small group of adult students at a local art class wanting to exhibit their work independently, the Tuesday Painters Club grew rapidly throughout the sixties and seventies. At its peak, exhibitions boasted up to 400 works and saw sales of over £10,000 — quite a sum at the time. Today, the club has just over 60 active members, with about 150 artworks exhibited annually.
Despite this success, the membership is aging. “We’re mostly retired,” says Janet Haken, a long-time member and current treasurer. “Our average member is over 70 — and we really need younger, more tech-savvy artists to get involved, particularly those interested in new media.”
The club offers more than just exhibitions. Members benefit from artist demonstrations, indoor and outdoor painting days, and a sense of community — a supportive group of like-minded creatives who encourage one another. However, like many small arts groups, it relies heavily on volunteers for organisation and committee roles.
“We need new energy, new ideas,” Janet says. “People from Rye itself, or the surrounding villages — anyone within about 20 miles — are welcome to join. It’s only £20 per year. And if you join now, there’s still time to be part of this year’s exhibition.”
You can email the club tuesdaypaintersrye@gmail.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram
Image Credits: James Stewart .
Thank you, James, for this plug! Yes, you are right: most organisations that rely on volunteers for their management are struggling to get new people om board as the old – in all senses of the word – dwindle away. The Tuesday Painters summer exhibition runs from Saturday 9th – Saturday 16th August, 10.30am-5pm daily.