Based in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Ashton Art Group was formed in 1966 by local artists. Membership is steady and comes, not just from the local Wigan / St. Helens area but many from farther afield. The group celebrated its fiftieth anniversary last year by holding a highly successful public event. Artwork was displayed alongside archive material from the group’s history and members provided demonstrations and visitor activities. The group’s main event is a popular Summer Exhibition each August with work shown in a variety of media and of a wide range of subject matter. A well-attended preview evening gives artists and visitors a chance to discuss the work over a glass of wine. Each Tuesday from 8 – 10 pm, members can be found painting still life or portraits, holding a lively discussion and critique evening. There are regular workshops and demonstrations by members and visiting artists and social occasions include a fun quiz and a Christmas meal. Well attended life drawing sessions are held each month and summer evenings are perfect to be out working in a garden, park or by the canal with an optional final call at a local inn! The group is always open to new members aged 16 and over and experienced artists or complete beginners are equally welcome. Although there is no formal tuition, there is always somebody willing to help with developing skills and techniques. In Ashton’s sociable environment, newer artists can have the benefit of observing a range of styles and techniques in practice and are able to develop their own work and methods more freely than they might in a class.