The Beginnings: Professional artist Jon Peaty and Cecil Wilson, a talented amateur painter, met at the community centre in 1949 and decided to form a club for the purpose of sharing their common love of art.
Twenty years later, the organisation became a branch of the Sussex County Arts Club, but, in 1979, it was decided the organisation should function separately and it has been independent ever since.
Malcolm Rogers, an internationally acknowledged professional artist, became the club’s president in 1984 and was an inspiration to members. In memory of Malcolm Rogers the Club hold a competition at each exhibition – visitors are invited to vote for their favourite painting on display and the artist who receives the most votes is awarded the Malcolm Rogers Memorial Cup. Last year’s winner was Cliff Feeney.
Another incredibly talented, committed, and much missed, member is Audrey Benson. Audrey joined Southwick Art Club over 20 years ago and was President of the club for a number of years until her death in 2012. In memory of Audrey the Club have dedicated an evening every February to Audrey – we decide on a theme and we all produce a piece of work. Members then vote for their favourite during a Mutual Appraisal. This year the theme is 'Moonlight'.
Twenty years later, the organisation became a branch of the Sussex County Arts Club, but, in 1979, it was decided the organisation should function separately and it has been independent ever since.
Malcolm Rogers, an internationally acknowledged professional artist, became the club’s president in 1984 and was an inspiration to members. In memory of Malcolm Rogers the Club hold a competition at each exhibition – visitors are invited to vote for their favourite painting on display and the artist who receives the most votes is awarded the Malcolm Rogers Memorial Cup. Last year’s winner was Cliff Feeney.
Another incredibly talented, committed, and much missed, member is Audrey Benson. Audrey joined Southwick Art Club over 20 years ago and was President of the club for a number of years until her death in 2012. In memory of Audrey the Club have dedicated an evening every February to Audrey – we decide on a theme and we all produce a piece of work. Members then vote for their favourite during a Mutual Appraisal. This year the theme is 'Moonlight'.