THE BLACK CAT ART CLUB We are a very friendly art club which is based in Shanklin Isle of Wight. The club was formed some 25 years ago by a lady who has since moved to the mainland. However, it kept on going and is so popular that some members had to wait over two years to actually become members because it is so full.

Today, there are approximately 25 to 30 members and we meet in a lovely Church Hall in Regent Street, Shanklin every Tuesday afternoon at 1.00pm until 4.00pm. We have a tea break at 2.30pm and if it’s someone’s birthday, we have cakes, otherwise we have biscuits - chocolate ones though!

We have also had quite a few exhibitions, which proved very successful and it was noted that visitors to the exhibitions wrote in the comments book, that it was rare for them to see artwork of such a high standard, which is praise indeed. This happened on many occasions, which gave us a lot of encouragement. Also, if anyone wants help with a problem they have with their painting, there is always someone on hand to help, either discussing the problem or showing them how to do something.

We have regular local artists come to us to demonstrate their skills or they do “paint alongs” with the club in various mediums. These are always very enjoyable and we have a list a very able artists who come along regularly which is much appreciated and enjoyed by us all.

The club also enjoys two lunches a year, one in the Summer and a Christmas Lunch. These are very popular and we all look forward to them.