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  • 24 Artists Set to Exhibit Original Artwork in the Bridge in Portland Walk.

    Local artist, all members of Barrow Society of Artists, are all set to showcase their work; in Sharing Moments From Home, an exhibition showing the local area, people, places and spaces throught the eyes of an Artist. This is a first for us and an exciting new adventure for Barrow Society of Artists in the Bridge in Portland Walk with the theme what brings us home, what makes our community unique! Everyone is invited to attend our Exhibition. There will be an artist there from Barrow Society of Artists each day to chat to you about the Artwork between 10 am and 4pm (closed Sunday). All artwork will be for sale so its a chance to reserve an original piece of Art for your home or for gifting to someone special. The Exhibition Sharing Moments From Home, will run for one week only so don't miss it! The Exhibition starts on Saturday 24th October and ends on Saturday 31st October. Artists will then collect their work to take back home or deliver to the person who reserves the Artwork. Original Artwork showcasing the diverse methods and approaches used by local artists can be reserved by paying a depoit while the exhibition is open ready for collection from the Artist when the exhibition ends. See our local area throught the eyes of a number of local Artists depicting what is special or unique about living and working here. The Exhibition is free to brows with no need to purchase artwork. Artists just love people appreciating their work. Blog by Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists.

  • Join Us for a Festive Glass Art Workshop!

    📅 Date: Monday 5th October 2026 🕒 Time: 7pm to 9pm 📍 Venue: Hawcoat Memorial Hall, LA14 4HT This is a workshop for members only, and there is a limit of 20 places. So, please email to book your spot through this contact us link here or email directly to Barrowsocietyofartists@outlook.com. Marilyn Hale's Glass Art Workshops The Glass Art Workshops have been a hit! You leave with a unique creation, all thanks to Marilyn's expert guidance. She shares her knowledge on how to do glass art well, making it accessible for everyone. In a past workshop, we made coasters! They turned out beautifully, didn't they? Create Beautiful Christmas Decorations This workshop is free for members. However, due to space constraints, we can only accommodate 20 participants. The goal is to craft stunning glass Christmas decorations, ensuring they are ready in time for your festive celebrations. Imagine hanging your own creations on the tree! It’s a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your holiday decor. Why Join Us? Participating in this workshop is not just about creating art; it's about connecting with fellow artists. You'll meet others who share your passion and creativity. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and techniques. What to Expect During the workshop, Marilyn will guide you step-by-step. You’ll learn about the materials, tools, and techniques used in glass art. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, there's something for everyone. Don’t forget to book your spot! Spaces fill up quickly, and you won’t want to miss out on this festive opportunity. Blog by Marina, Chair of Barrow Society of Artists Final Thoughts In conclusion, this glass art workshop is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Join us for an evening of creativity, laughter, and community spirit. Let’s make some beautiful decorations together! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your spot today and get ready to unleash your inner artist!

  • Lakeland in Pastels by Cathy Holmes

    Exhibition in the Pod at the Dock Museum from 30th September until 1st November. Cathy Holmes at the Pod in the Dock Museum at her Solo Exhibition Art By Cathy Holmes I have been painting for about 18 years, initially studying with Helene Burrow at Barrow Disability Centre evening classes. She taughts me the basics of acrylics, watercolours and colour theory. I am very grateful to Helene for all her help. A few years later, in 2017, I joined Barrow Society of Artists. Following a soft pastel demonstration by Greg Howard in 2019 at one of Barrow Society of Artists evenings, I was curious to try this 'new to me' medium. I am now hooked on these sticks of pure pigment which is currently my chosed medium. I have been experimenting and perfecting the use of this medium for 7 years and now feel confident in my style and my ability to create using these sticks of colour. I mainly paint landscapes inspired by our beautiful, local Lake District, but I also paint animals and more recently portraits. By Cathy Holmes Barrow Park in Pastels by Cathy Holmes Many of the works in Cathy's solo exhibition will be familiar to local people but, seen through the eyes of a very fine arist. It really is worth the visit to the pod in the Dock Museum which is free to brows in the regular Dock Museum's opening hours. Every Saturday Cathy Holmes will be at the Pod in the Dock Museum, for you to talk to her about her artwork. Here is a small selection of the Artwork in the Exhibition, I am not going to show you too much as the best way to view this original Artwork is by visiting the Exhibition and viewing the work created by the Artist to showcase her work at its best in the hands of this talented Artist. Direct Contact for Cathy Holmes Cathy Holmes can be contacted directly by email at Willowcazoom2@gmail.com and further work can be seen directly in the solo exhibition, Lakeland in Pastels by Cathy Holmes for the whole month of October. http://www.cathy-holmes.art/ is the artists personal website to view more of this talented pastel artists work. Dock Musum Opening Times Check out the opening days and times of the Dock Museum here: Opening Times | W&F microsites There is a cafe and parking at the Dock Museum and a permanant display of the history of Barrow in Furness and its foundation story as a ship building industrial town, moving through to the latest in nuclear powered submarines. Its a great place to visit this October. The Lakeland in Pastels exhibition runs from 30th September until 1st November. The original artwork is for sale just ask a member of staff how to reserve a painting in the exhibition for collection at the end of the exhibition. Good luck in your solo exhibition Cathy from all at Barrow Society of Artists! Blog by Marina & Cathy Holmes For Barrow Society of Artists

  • Jitterbug in Autumn- With Catherine Saunders -October's Guest Artists

    Art Work- Mushrooms in a Trug by Catherine Saunders The Artist A bit about me! Catherine Saunders. I was born in Ulverston, and loved art and wildlife from an early age, I remember being a member of ‘Watch’ the junior branch of Cumbria Wildlife Trust, going on trips to Foulney Island, Walney, and other local areas of interest and discovering owl pellets, shells, feathers and stones, and being asked to draw them, that was the start! Wildlife Art-- The British Barn Owl- by Catherine Saunders Artistry in Development I was encouraged massively by Mark Sharphouse, the art teacher at UVHS, and am grateful to him for his genuine interest in my work. It was during a careers evening at UVHS that Blackpool and the Fylde College came with examples of their students artwork. I was completely inspired by the detail and quality of their paintings …. This is what I wanted to do! I applied to their Scientific Illustration course and was accepted. During my time at Blackpool College I discovered my love of plants, and was given the opportunity to do a work placement at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. I was tasked to illustrate a leaflet on the various types of trees in the Gardens (a lot!) I have a specific memory of a squirrel running up my leg and sitting on my shoulder as I was taking a photo of some of the trees. Back Home to Ulverston and Finding that Artistic Spark again I returned to Ulverston and tried to make a living as a self employed artist. I illustrated quite a few catalogue covers for a local seed company, Chiltern Seeds (based at Bortree Stile), painted people’s pets and favourite flowers or views. Daffodils by Catherine Saunders I then got a job working full time for a local giftware company. I met my husband, married, and had children. My art took a back seat as other important things took a priority, but, at last I am starting to occasionally find time to do some art again! Find me at: Intsagram: catherinesaundersart Email: csaundersart@outlook.com Or for the Month of October in a Showcase of Artwork as Guest Artists at the Jitterbug Gallery in Market St Ulverston. Jitterbug is a charming Shop of eclectic collectible and gift ideas, located on Market Street in Ulverston. The Jitterbug Gallery is found on the top floor where you will find lots of original artwork and prints by Local Artists. Please support Catherine and take the time to go and view her Art Showcase in the Jitterbug Gallery The Showcase of Catherine Saunders work currently at the Jitterbug Gallery, 46 Market St, Ulverston, LA12 7LS . Hope you get chance to view this fabulous work by a local artist at the Jitterbug Gallery on the third floor of the Jitterbug shop. Blog by Marina and Catherine Saunders For Barrow Society of Artists

  • Autumn Exhibition

    We are busy finishing artwork and collecting application forms for our Exhibition which starts Saturday 24th October 2026. It will be open daily, except Sunday, for a week closing on 31st October. Its great to have a new Event in Barrow in Furness in a new venue for our Exhibition so it would definitely be good to see you there. There will be lots of Original Art Produced by our members who create a diverse range of Art for you to enjoy. Viewing the Exhibition is free. Artwork will be for sale. All the best Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

  • Coming Soon - Autumn Art Exhibition

    Sharing Moments From Home At the Bridge in Portland Walk, LA14 1DB Open daily from Saturday 24th October - 31st October Not open Sundays Between 10 am and 4.30 pm A collection of Art from Barrow Society of Artists - Depicting scenes and memories of the local area. Sharing Moments from Home, brings together the diverse styles from our group of local artists. Celebrating the places, people, animals and everyday scenes that shape our community. This exhibition highlights the creativity found right here in our own area, offering a collection of artworks that reflect the stories, surroundings and shared experiences of home. This diverse collection of Art shows you how artists see our part of the world. From quiet corners of our town to views that feel instantly familiar, each piece invites visitors to pause and enjoy the moments that connect us. Created by artists who live and work among us, this exhibition is a warm expression of local identity and the creativity rooted in our community. We welcome you to join us and share in these moments from home. Blog by Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

  • Striding into Jitterbug in September Mountain Art by Tara Glover

    Moutain Art by Tara Glover September in the Jitterbug Gallery Tara Glover is this months guest artist in the Jitterbug Gallery. The Artist is often found on mountain treks when she isn't painting so the artist's natural subject is the mountains she climbs. Tara has a unique approach to using watercolour to paint the silhouette of the mountains and its distinguishing features. A fresh contemporary approach. The Hoad Hill in Tara's Lake District Original Series is currently included in the showcase of her work in the Jitterbug Gallery. The Artist's work is inspired by the natural contours and quiet beauty of the Lake District and the surrounding fells, she creates minimalist paintings that reflect a deep connection to the local landscapes. The unique approach by the Artist to her original artwork creates easily recognisable favourite landscapes. To add a flair to your home decorating. There are many options to choose from of this affordable original art style. Tara also has a detailed painting of Roanhead included in her exhibition work. Showing the mountains silhouetted against a dramatic sunset. The Guest Artist slot at Jitterbug will last the whole month of September and Tara makes very affordable art for all those interested in purchasing a unique style contemporary original artwork. I am sure you will enjoy viewing the original artwork exhibited in the Gallery at Jitterbug. Tara Glover's art is exhibited among the work of other local artists who just love to create original Art and appreciate the support of curious visitors. A collection of Tara Glovers Mountain Art currently showcased in the Jitterbug Gallery The Jitterbug Gallery The Jitterbug Gallery is found on the top floor of the Jitterbug shop in Market St in Ulverston. A charming little show selling collectibles and gifts. Check out Jitterbug's Facebook page for more information about the shop, or times of opening and location can be found on Google maps if you are unsure where it is or what days and times the shop opens. The Jitterbug Shop on Market St in Ulverston Blog Created by Marina On Behalf of Barrow Society of Artists

  • Taking Piel Island on Tour - Artist Focus on Sam Harrison

    The Kings Landing in Mixed Media Abstract Art by Sam Harrison Inspiration for Sam Harrison's Latest Works and a Great Success on the Wirral! Sam Harrison came to Barrow Society of Artists Paintout at Piel last year and it inspired a series of paintings. She said, 'I’ve been taking part in a 4-artist show at The Lake Gallery on the Wirral. It finishes on Saturday. I have been showing my Piel Island work and so far 7 out of 10 pieces have sold.' To view Sam's work and learn more about the artist before this exhibition on the Wirral ends click on the link. https://thelakegallery.co.uk/artists/sam-harrison/ On Next For Sam - The Lakes Art Society Exhibition in Grasmere Sam Harrison has also had two paintings accepted into the prestigious Lake Art Societies Summer Exhibition - a local event running now in Grasmere until September 9th. The two works are Mixed Media Abstract Art inspired once again by the local scenes around the sea and harbours in Barrow in Furness titled Harbour Nights and Yellow Boat on Midnight Dock. So look out for these two works if you visit. Its definitely a local exhibition worth visiting so make the trip out to this charming area in the Lake District. There are other Artists from Barrow Society of Artists Exhibiting here too. I will add the poster for this event at the bottom of the blog. Then onto Another couple of Exhibitions In October Sam wrote: 'The big event coming up for me is the Junction 36 Art Fair on 9-11 Oct. There are over 60 artists represented from across Cumbria, Lancashire and North Yorkshire. It’s the first year this has been run but we hope that interest will be high and it will grow into a respected annual event on the Art Fair Calendar. See poster at the end of the blog for dates. Also in October The Barrow Society of Artists Exhibition at the Bridge in Dalton Road is also in October starting 24th October and ending on the 31st. This is also the first time for this Event which will be held for a week and manned by Artists from the Society. I will update you with more details on this later when the applications forms have been collected in. Sunday 9th August- This years Paintout at Piel Is the date for our next Paintout at Piel that so inspired Sam Harrison last year to produce lots of original artwork. This is exactly what the day was set up for just to showcase this fantastic space on our doorstep. With all its history, mystery and 360 degree views. I am so happy this fantastic artist has been successful with her work based on her first visit to this magical little island. Monday 7th September Sam Harrison is holding a workshop for our members where she will be leading the way on a workshop demonstrating her work process. I will create a blog of things you will need to bring if you attend the week before so look out for this. Sam said tell people to go and make big bold sketches and paintings on Piel with the idea of cutting them up to create and abstract work. This sounds like great fun. Good Luck Sam from all at Barrow Society of Artists! Sam can be contacted directly using the following - Sam Harrison Art Website: https://www.samharrisonart.co.uk Phone: 07833 912 507 Email: sam@samharrisonart.co.uk Blog by Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists Poster for events shown in this blog in order of events

  • Abstracting Piel Workshop by Sam Harrison

    Abstract Art Workshop Abstracting Piel Workshop Sketches by Sam Harrison The Next Workshop for members is 📅3 Date: Monday 7th September Date: Monday, 7th September 2026 🕒 Time: Starting at 7pm please be there for the start finishing 9pmime: 7pm to 9pm 📍 Venue: Hawcoat Memorial Hall, LA14 4HT Venue: Hawcoat Memorial Hall, LA14 4HT Introduction by Sam Harrison Abstracting the landscape: cropping & collage At my demonstration last year, I gave an insight into the 3 different stages of my painting process. Step 1: involves gathering information about the landscape by spending time outside creating quick expressive sketches as well as documenting close-up features that catch my eye through photography. Step 2: back in the studio, I work with the information I’ve gathered. The cropping and collaging process helps to further disrupt things and develops a more abstracted response to the landscape. This eventually leads to Step 3: which is creating the studio paintings. This year’s workshop is an opportunity for everyone to have a go at the cropping and collaging element (Step 2) of the process using your own sketches and photographs that you have gathered out in the landscape. Sam's Sketches from Paintout at Piel 2026 For those of us that ventured out to the paint out at Piel Island on 9 August, the material we created then will be ideal to use. If you couldn’t make it to Piel, then just bring along large scale, expressive sketches that you have done of a landscape of your choice or create some from photographs of Piel if you want to stick with the theme of Abstracting Piel. What to bring 1. A few expressive sketches that you have done in the landscape. A2 or A3 size is ideal, but I often also incorporate elements of smaller sketches too. See photo below. 2. Printouts of photographs or photo-grids that you have created (Optional). 3. Scissors and Pencil – to mark crops 4. Glue such as Modge Podge, PVA or Pritt Stick and something to spread the glue such as palette knife, old brush etc. 5. L Shaped window mounts to use as croppers – or 4 strips of white paper about 8-10cm wide and 30-40cm long works equally well. ( Steve will have some of these) 6. Small selection of drawing materials to add finishing touches (Optional) 7. I find baby wipes useful to clean up sticky fingers and wipe off excess glue. Sam will bring 1. A3 Paper to create collages on 2. I will have a cutting mat, knife and metal ruler available to use 3. I will bring a supply of glue (modge podge) to share. 4. There will be a limited supply of L shaped croppers to use Examples of my sketches of Piel Examples of Photo grids (Optional) These are made with an App on my phone called InShot, but there are other photo layout or photo collage apps you can use for free to do this e.g. Layout for Instagram. Otherwise, you can just print out individual photos. Two Steps to Creating Step 1 – Sketching Outside (Prior to workshop) This first part of the process involves spending time in the place that you want the painting to be about. Soak in the atmosphere and really notice visually what is there as well as how it makes you feel. The most obvious image or composition isn’t necessarily the best or most interesting, so doing several sketches is a tool to help explore your surroundings, notice what makes the location unique and which features catch your eye and create interest for you. Step 2 – Cropping and Collaging (At the workshop) We are all going to have a go at this second part of the process during the workshop. You will use the sketches and photos you have brought. We’ll start by looking for interesting crops, decide which to cut out and then further abstract these by collaging additional pieces to generate more interesting compositions. It’s good to try to be as experimental as possible and not worry too much about the outcome. The main thing is to have fun – after all it’s only bits of paper! Best wishes Sam For further insight into Sam's Work visit her website Sam Harrison Art www.samharrisonart.co.uk As always workshops are free to members and there will be a coffee and tea break halfway through. Blog by Marina and Sam For Barrow Society of Artists

  • Another Great Day Sketching Piel Island

    Painting in progress from the 2026 Paintout at Piel Rain Threatend Play On the morning of the 2026 Paintout at Piel it rained but the weather forcast complied and from 10.30 onwards we had moody skies but no more rain apart from one shower that passed quickly. I think it put a few artists off but the ones who made it had a fantastic day and the moody sky added to the work and photographs for further work produced. Thanks to the Ferry Men for getting us there and back to paint and sketch the magic. Thanks also to Local Guide John Murphy for the guided tour and the history of Piel Island which left many better informed and taught something new to those who have visited the Island many times. Thanks also for the hospitality of the King of Piel Aaron and Mr and Mrs Bibby for cooking great burgers and chips on the day! It was all very much appreciated. Following are some of the Sketches and Paintings from the Day The Kings Landing Sam Harrison's coming workshop informed many members approaches to their paintings and sketches: to create choppy rough sketches using the shapes and moods ready for abstracting in the Abstracting Piel Workshop at Barrow Society of Artists on the 7th September. The Kings Landing - Sam Harrison's Abstract Art from a series that she completed after last years Paintout on Piel Abstracting Piel Island by Sam Harrison- Thats another great workshop for members of Barrow Society of Artists to try something new. Hope to see you there. I will create a blog the week before the event telling you what you need to bring. Blog by Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

  • A Winning Summer for Patsy Derry this months guest artist at Jitterbug

    Patsy Derry is already celebrating a win this month with the sale of the above painting in the prestigious Lakes Artists Exhibition. The painting sold on the first day which is always a good result! Well done Patsy. Jitterbug Guest Artists for the Month of August You can view this talented artists work closer to home for the month of August in the Jitterbug Gallery on Market St in Ulverston. A Showcase of Patsy Derry's work available to purchase from Jitterbug A Teacher and Practitioner The talented Artist has developed many different approaches to art in her time teaching art to students and for her own pleasure. The Art showcased at Jitterbug exhibits some of these multi skilled approaches to Art. Its really worth a visit. From ink painting and Printing to moody acrylic artwork and sunsets. There is something for everyone to enjoy viewing. A Sea and Sunset acrylic painting by Patsy Derry Finding the Light Patsy describes herself as an artist based in the beautiful landscape of the English Lake District, which is often the focus of her work. She explores capturing the light on different landscapes. Recently she has been residing near Cumbria’s beautiful coastline, which has informed new work, but still her focus is on finding the light. Its this natural element that brings both movement and focus to her work. The Jitterbug Gallery Can be found on Market St in Ulverston just look for the Jitterbug painted outside the shop. And you will find the location of this little gem on the main shopping street in the town of Ulverston. The shop itself is full of an eclectic mix of gift and collection ideas many created by local artists- so unique ideas. And regularly changing. The Jitterbug Gallery is found on the third floor. Check out Jitterbug Ulverston Gift Shop- on their Facebook page or google for directions and opening times. Blog Created by Marina On behalf of Barrow Society of Artists

  • Not Such a Still Life Workshop Fun Speed Sketching Night

    Most still life sessions ask you to slow down, settle in, and study one arrangement for the evening. This workshop does something very different. Work from Last Year's Not Such a Still Life. The Not Such a Still Life Workshop Experience Steve Cook, our Events and Programme Manager, created Not Such a Still Life, a lively workshop built around quick changes, fresh challenges, and a good dose of creative mischief. Its on 3rd August at Hawcoat Memorial Hall be there to start at 7.00pm free to members The idea is simple and fun. Tables will be set out with different things to sketch or paint. You will start at one table, work for a timed slot, then move on to the next. Think of it as speed dating for sketching, without the awkward small talk. Each table gives you a new subject, a new prompt, or a new way of looking. The aim is not to create a polished masterpiece. The aim is to try something new, loosen up, and enjoy the business of making marks without overthinking every line. There is no cost to members, and there will be a tea and coffee break halfway through. More snapshots of last years workshop. This is still life with the stillness taken out Traditional still life has its own quiet pleasure. A jug, a bowl of fruit, a vase, a chair, or a cluster of objects can keep an artist busy for hours. You can measure, shade, correct, rub out, repaint, step back, and return. This workshop keeps the looking, but removes the chance to get too comfortable. With timed intervals, each table becomes a short creative burst. You have only so long to notice the shapes, choose an approach, and get something down. That time limit can feel strange at first, especially if you tend to work slowly. Then something useful happens. Your hand starts making decisions before your inner critic has time to interrupt. That is where the fun sits. A quick sketch can show energy that a careful drawing sometimes loses. A fast wash of paint can catch the weight of a shadow. A loose line can say more than a fully rendered outline. When you know you are about to move on, you stop trying to solve everything. You focus on what matters most in that moment. This is why Not Such a Still Life Workshop is a Fun Speed Sketching Night a good fit for anyone who wants a playful push and to experiment. It gives structure, but not pressure. It gives subjects, but not strict rules. It gives you permission to be curious. How the evening will work Steve Cook has created the workshop with the aim of making people try something different. The rhythm will be easy to follow. It is a friendly format. The timed element keeps the energy in the room high. People work with focus, then shift, laugh, compare discoveries, and start again. It is sociable without becoming a formal class. It is guided, but not rigid. Some sketches may be messy. Some may be unfinished. Some may be strange in a way you quite like. That is part of the point. A workshop like this is not about judging every page. It is about collecting experiences and just trying it. The goal is to leave with more confidence, not perfect pages. And, have a whole lot of fun with other creatives. It is also a good moment to see how differently people respond to the same prompt. Expect a night with plenty of movement, quick choices, and a few happy accidents. Timed rounds help artists work quickly and trust their first response. What to bring on the night You do not need to bring a studio’s worth of materials. Bring what you enjoy using to create your art and a sketch book or paper. A photo of a person. It can be a famous person, someone from a magazine, a printed reference image, or simply a photo you like. The only rule is that it must have a person in it. The subject does not have to be famous. It simply needs to include a person. The tea and coffee break is part of the rhythm Halfway through the session, there will be the usual tea and coffee break. Come ready to move, sketch, and enjoy it! It will be good to see you there. Blog by Marina Chair of Barrow Society of Artists

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