Ballymena Cultural Directory

Tullygarley Art Class
  • Date of Formation: 02/07/2006
  • Number of Members: 20+
  • Category: Art

My art classes, taught by myself Ballymena Artist Louise Lester (BA Hons) offer a very relaxing and welcoming atmosphere to anyone wishing to enjoy painting as a hobby or wanting to improve their skills of drawing and painting in various mediums. The group was formed seven years ago and consists of two art classes, on a Friday afternoon (1-3pm) and a Friday evening (7-9pm) at Tullygarley Community Hall (on the outskirts of Ballymena). The classes are 10 week seasonal classes, running all year round.

Students are able to experience using various art mediums and are not restricted to using just one. They are given the freedom to try a new medium if they wish or enjoy their favourite one and improve their skills, building up their knowledge. The choice is theirs!

Whichever medium any of my students decide to use, whether it's a painting medium such as Watercolour, Oil, Acrylics or a dry medium such as Colour or Graphite Pencils, Soft Pastels, Oil Pastels or one of the lesser known mediums such as Watercolour Pencils, Pen & Wash or Charcoal, they will receive valuable help and encouragement from me.

Quite often a student's appetite for trying a different art medium is tempted while watching one of the tutor 'Art Demonstrations' shown by myself, which are given in every seasonal class. Each demonstration differs, allowing the students to see all the different mediums in action and observe how to use them. During the classes and demonstrations, tips and advice are given by myself about all the art mediums, enabling the students to have a more enjoyable experience with painting and most importantly, to not stress about painting! The aim of the class is be relaxed, and have some enjoyable 'Me Time' each week!

Both art classes have proved to be very popular and are still going strong attracting a wide range of people, genders and ages. Existing art students return every season to the 10 week art classes, as well as some new faces joining the group classes which helps the classes to be very sociable!

Welcome to all (16yrs+) some examples of my past and present students are 'A Level' Art Students, Duke of Edinburgh cadets badge work, 'Tattooists' improving their drawing skills, 'Hobbyists' including doctors, teachers, nurses, and more artists of all levels. Beginners and experienced are welcome, and both enjoy the class very comfortably always encouraging each other and myself being the tutor.

So come along and join us for a very enjoyable hobby and discover your inner artist! Tullgarley Community Centre, Tullygarley Road, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT42 2JB

Frequently asked question

If I am interested in joining your group how do I go about it?

Please contact myself or Gloria by phone 0282564 3505 or email us at- info@llcrafts.co.uk Find us on Facebook or Twitter, or contact us via my website- www.llcrafts.co.uk

Who is your group aimed at or who do you cater for?

My group is aimed at all aged 16+. Very much cross-community and all are welcome. Some disabilities can be accommodated for the classes and this can be discussed. My classes are aimed at being very sociable, very relaxing and very welcoming

Do I have to pay membership dues to join?

To book your seat at one of my classes, a payment of approximately £50 for 10 weeks, is required in advance, paid via Cash, Credit Card, Paypal or Cheque.

Are there any ongoing expenses associated with membership e.g. materials, insurance, fees?

Each student needs their own art materials, however a 'Mobile Art Shop' is carried by myself to each class allowing students the option of buying art materials, along with my advice

How often do you meet?

Every week for each '10week Class' and the classes are held in the Autumn, Winter, Spring & Summer of each year. There is a 'Friday Afternoon' (1.00pm-3.00pm) class and a 'Friday Night' (7.00-9.00pm) class

Where do you meet?

In 'Tullygarley Community Centre',
Tullygarley Road,
Ballymena,
Co. Antrim,
Northern Ireland.
BT42 2JB

Is there any criteria potential members must meet in order to join the group? e.g. experience

My art classes cater for all levels of painting experience and beginners are very welcome.

What can I expect to learn if I join the group?

All mediums of art related drawing and painting is available at my art classes. You would learn all the elements of drawing, painting and producing a painting worthy of framing. Various techniques of drawing skills are shown to each student, such as tracing, grid-system and free-hand drawing. Also the understanding of colour use is explained and painting techniques are demonstrated and shown. You can experience using any art medium you wish or try a different one.Also you will have my free advice on art materials and learn about mounting and framing your work.

Can I join the group as an observer or must I actively participate?

Yes, a person can join and just observe, but would still be required to pay the full fee.

What is the usual demographic of the group, gender, age group etc?

My art classes are for all, female and male, age from 16+ and there is a good mix of both genders in the classes

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Comments

What they say?

  • Lord Puttnam of Queensgate / CBE

    "Ballymena's Creative Citizens Programme is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to experience the Arts."

  • Liam Neeson / OBE, Freeman of Ballymena

    "Ballymena and the Borough have always had a deep creative 'pool' in all the arts. It's wonderful and, personally, exciting for me that this pool is being tapped into and explored by this wonderful creative alliance. I'm very proud of you all!"