Art for Women
The Art for Women course has been running since 1985. The women come from a wide variety of social and cultural backgrounds.
It is a non-traditional art course, with an emphasis on experimentation and self expression rather than developing representational techniques. However women do develop a good repertoire of skills during their time on the course, and some have gone on to study full time art courses at university. Most find that art quickly becomes part of their life, starting to take sketchbooks on holidays, and visiting exhibitions. They find they are able to access their personal strengths through working in a safe and friendly environment. There is always a wonderful inclusive atmosphere in the group, which embraces not only mutual respect but also a terrific capacity for fun.
There are serious moments too, when the group comes together with one mind, such as after the Tsunami, or when Iraq was invaded. The art work at these times will have a different quality. The group has a history of being politically aware and responsive to world issues.
Over the years the group has left time-based outdoor art works: pavement art, beach sculptures, prayer flags, earth mounds, natural sculptures, etc, in and around Brighton for the public to ponder.