There is nothing quite like the creative energy that comes from regular interaction with other creative individuals. Art school is one place to experience relationships that offer this energy; another popular setting for this exchange of ideas is a community art club. In the Lower Mainland and beyond, art clubs are active parts of the community—nurturing and educating new and emerging artists. The Surrey Artswest Society is one of these clubs, and this year they are celebrating 20 years as a thriving art society.

The development of Artswest into an arts club took place in 1985, when eight artists who had been taking instruction from a local Surrey artist decided to meet once a month in each other's homes. Interest in this informal club increased and the group formed the Surrey Artswest Society. Its goal was to promote interest in art and to encourage advancement and to participate in art related activities in the Surrey community. Over the last 20 years membership has grown in number to 70 with 3 of the original members, Kay Van deVenter, Shirley Buick and Vanessa Cheyne, still active in the club today.

To celebrate their 20th anniversary, the Artswest Society will exhibit 40 paintings in the Upper Lobby Gallery at the Surrey Arts Centre located at 13750 88 Avenue in Bear Creek Park. The show will run from Friday May 12th to Sunday August 20th, 2006. An opening reception will be held on Thursday May 11th, 2006 from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Artists will be in attendance.

Artswest exhibits extensively in their community with an annual show & sale and are active in activities such as paint-ins, critiques, social evenings and auctions. They also provide workshops and artist demonstrations for both members and non-members. The society meets on the third Monday of the month in Bear Creek Pavilion in Bear Creek Park, located off King George Hwy and 88th Ave in Surrey, BC. New members working in any medium are always welcome to join the Artswest Society. Membership is open to anyone, and fees are $20 for a year or a drop-in fee of $3 for each meeting.

The Surrey Artswest Society is proud to have become a thriving part of the artist community in the Surrey and Delta areas and they are looking forward to continuing their active membership for many more years. For details about the club contact Shirley Buick at 604-589-2891 or Kay Van deVenter at 604-543-7049, or drop in on their next meeting held Monday April 24th.