The Walsall Society of Artists is a not for profit organisation, run by artists to promote artists and makers within the Walsall districts, and the surrounding areas. WSA aims to inspire, inform and support the pursuit of creating and making art, by promoting the sharing and communication of ideas, techniques and experiences among those interested in art. We are a diverse group of artist makers, potters, jewellers, painters, sculptors, digital concepts, felters, and those that just enjoy art in all its forms.
Join a diverse community of sketchers, painters, sculptors, and more, collaborating and inspiring each other in their artistic pursuits.
Showcase your artwork in our monthly exhibitions at minimal cost, gaining exposure and connecting with art enthusiasts and collectors.
Learn form professional artist demonstrations, pick up tips and new ideas. Participate in workshops and learning sessions to enhance your artistic skills and explore new techniques under the guidance of experienced artists.
Walsall Society of Artists aim to inspire, inform and supports the pursuit of creating art, by promoting the sharing and communication of ideas, techniques and experiences among those interested in art.
Currently stands at almost 100 artists and makers. We are artist run with an elected volunteer committee and assisted by several volunteer sub committees, we are constantly bringing new members on to the committee to bring new and fresh ideas to the Society.
Walsall Society of Artists embraces diversity, is culturally inclusive, we regularly engage with the local community through art and making. Regular Newsletters are issued to members, and there is a supportive whats app group, along with discussions and news on our society facebook group. Members are eligible and encouraged to apply to exhibit their work in local exhibitions organised by the WSA.
Written by Wendy Priest
The mayor of Walsall at this time, Councillor T. P. Riley, had recognised the need for an ‘art circle’ in Walsall and how useful it could be “in every branch of public life.” He felt that members of the society would have “valuable ideas … which could help in the work of beautifying the town.” The inaugural meeting was held in the Mayor’s Parlour on Thursday 8th December 1949. There were about forty people present. Mr J. F. Gadsby proposed that the title of new the organisation should be the “Walsall Society of Artists.” One of the objectives of the society was to “Cultivate an interest in the arts”.
At the inaugural meeting Mr W. Shuffrey stated, “there would be room in the Society for everyone interested in art – the connoisseur and dealer, as well as the artist himself.” Anyone interested in joining the society should contact Mr Willott.
Six months after the inaugural meeting, The Walsall Society of Artists held its First Annual Exhibition, for one week, in the School of Art. It was opened by the Mayor, Councillor T. P Riley. According to an article in the Staffordshire Chronicle, “The exhibition was so successful that it was seen as “An irresistible argument for a (town) Gallery”. After seeing the “display of paintings, etchings and drawings …. who could deny the wealth of artistic talent? ……. There has been in the School of Art, the finest exhibition of contemporary local art ever seen in Walsall.” The mayor announced that the exhibition was “the crowning point of the year,” adding that “a society of artists was a necessary acquisition to every live town.” The mayor called attention to the need for an art gallery in Walsall.
(Image copyright of Trinity Mirror Group for the Walsall Observer, circa 1950)
For the first few years of its existence, the Society’s Annual Exhibitions continued to be held in the Walsall School of Art. Around 1954 annual exhibitions began to be held in the town’s public library. By this time, membership had doubled to eighty and was still growing.
For many years, Miss E M Flint, as a town councillor, “assailed the council with Walsall’s need for a gallery: when it is provided, I shall regard it as my ‘crowning mercy’ and be content to retire from public life.”
Her ambition was finally achieved with the opening of the E. M. Flint Art Gallery on Friday 15th October, 1965 at 6.00pm, when the 16th Annual Exhibition of artworks by the members of the Walsall Society,was on view. According to Minutes of the Walsall Society of Artists, the exhibition held in the “New Walsall Art Gallery and named in Miss E. M. Flint’s honour “was the highlight of the year.”
Credited to the ‘Express & Star’ and ‘Walsall Archives: Accession 407’.
In February 2000 the prestigious, The New Art Gallery Walsall was opened to national acclaim. The Walsall Society of Artists was honoured to hold its 50th Annual Exhibition in the New Art Gallery Walsall from 3rd October to 5th November 2000.
From its origins, the Walsall Society of Artists has held meetings addressed by visiting and local artists, evenings devoted to appraisal by members, outdoor sketching days, visits to inspirational settings and given encouragement to young members.
Today, the aims and activities of the Walsall Society of Artists remain the same as when the Society was founded in 1949. To quote from its inaugural meeting, the Society is “For everyone Interested in Art,” with the aim to “Cultivate an interest in the Arts”
To find out how to become a member, or to renew your membership please select the button below.
