The Ravenfield Art Group was founded in 2014 by local residents who wanted to develop their artistic skills in a friendly and supportive environment. During its first year, the group met in a barn kindly provided by a generous couple in Old Ravenfield Village. With around a dozen members, we met twice a month for tuition from local professional artist Rachel Lewis.
As interest in the group grew, we quickly outgrew our original venue. In 2015, we moved to Ravenfield Parish Hall, where we continue to meet today. While the format has evolved over the years, we still meet twice each month. The first session features tuition or a demonstration from a professional artist, while the second provides members with the opportunity to practise what they have learned or work on projects of their own choosing.
Our meetings include a varied programme of workshops and demonstrations led by talented local artists, covering a wide range of subjects, techniques and artistic media. One month we may explore watercolour landscapes; the next, still life in pastel or portraiture in charcoal. The programme is planned in response to members’ interests, with the aim of introducing new artists, techniques and creative experiences throughout the year.
Today, the group has 30 members and a waiting list of people keen to join. Although we would love to welcome everyone, our capacity is limited by the size of the hall and the number of tables available. To ensure that those on the waiting list can still enjoy being involved, we invite them to attend our demonstration sessions, where space is less restricted.
In the autumn of 2015, we held our first two-day art exhibition. Twenty-two artists exhibited a total of 193 artworks, with an impressive 66 pieces sold—a wonderful achievement for our first event. Since then, we have staged an annual exhibition every spring, with the exception of 2021, when COVID-19 restrictions made it impossible. During the pandemic, however, the group continued to meet online using Zoom, allowing members to stay connected and continue developing their skills.
Our exhibition has become a true community event. With the support of bakers from the local church group and the Ravenfield Community Plan Group, visitors can enjoy a selection of delicious homemade cakes, teas and coffees while browsing the artwork. As a result, three local organisations now benefit from the funds raised during the exhibition.
The exhibition has gone from strength to strength, with entries, sales and visitor numbers increasing year after year. In 2026, 25 artists exhibited 312 artworks, of which 108 were sold. A total of 356 visitors attended, enjoying not only the artwork and refreshments but also live music performed by one of our artists and her husband. Two of our members also gave live art demonstrations, which proved extremely popular with visitors.
Our motto for sales: “Original Art at Affordable Prices”
continues to attract local people and reflects our aim of making original artwork accessible while celebrating the creativity and talent within our community.