Muskham Arts Group celebrates 25th anniversary with art exhibition and commemorative bench at South Muskham and Little Carlton Village Hall

A village art group has celebrated 25 years of bringing the community together with creativity.

To celebrate the milestone anniversary of the Muskham Art Group, a commemorative bench has been unveiled at South Muskham and Little Calton Village Hall.

The group currently has around 30 members, some of who travel from as far as Laxton, Mansfield, Grantham, and Lincoln to take part in the popular twice-monthly sessions.

An anniversary exhibition also took place, with all works produced by group members, covering a range of styles and mediums, from expressive oil paintings, to perfect watercolour studies.

Group chairman Jo Longmire said: “We have a huge range of experience here, from complete novices to people who are almost semi-professional.

“Some people had never done any art before they came along — we shoved a piece of paper in front of them, and now they are exhibiting.

“Seeing them grow in confidence, it is quite inspiring.”

“After Covid, we weren’t sure if we’d be able to get back up and running again, but we pulled together,” Jo added.

“I feel quite lucky that we’re still here, whereas a lot of other groups have closed.

“To us, it’s not just another group, it’s one big community spirit bringing people together with colour, creativity, and community.”

Jo jokingly said: “I think most come for the homemade cake, rather than the art!”

The commemorative anniversary bench will provide a place for group members and hall visitors to sit peacefully and admire the scenery.

Crime novelist Stephen Booth was also at the exhibition, signing books and chatting about the recent Channel 5 TV adaptation of his Cooper and Fry detective series.

The art group meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 9.45am-12.15pm, and is open to anyone who wants to be creative and chat with other like-minded people.

Participants bring their own art supplies, but some supplies are kept on had at the village hall for anyone who just wants to give the group a try.

The group also occasionally hosts professional workshops, where working artists introduce members to new techniques or mediums.