Manchester based artist Jude Wainwright told me how much she enjoyed being one of the three judges (along with Gina Warburton and Stephen Walton) for the Bury Art Society Annual exhibition. The Art Society’s manifesto ‘Welcomes anyone who is interested in art, whether beginner, amateur or professional.’ Of course those parameters are very wide, but Jude told me that one entrant told her that it ‘is rewarding being part of a community surrounded by people that give me confidence.’

 

I visit the show each year and, whatever the skill level, the exuberation of taking part is apparent. Of course just using the phrase ‘whatever the skill level’ is pejorative. I am constantly reminding myself of the Picasso quote: ‘When I was five I could draw like Raphael. It has taken me forty years to draw like a child.’ It is the satisfaction and joy of making art that matters and to be able to see one’s work hung in a fine gallery space is rewarding for all those taking part.

 

There are around a hundred works hung in one of the galleries at Bury Art Museum each year. A fine, light and airy space in a fine Grade II listed building which is the architectural jewel of Bury. Bury Art Museum and Sculpture Centre itself is under threat; completed in 1901 as a museum and library the building needs inevitable and major maintenance. This is, I understand, mainly the roof as every other feature has been maintained in a pristine condition…apart from a board originally at the entrance which instructed ‘No smoking, spitting, sleeping, loud talking or laughing.’ It is to be hoped that the value of having such a prestigious building in the centre of Bury can outweigh municipal budgetary restrictions. 

 

The Museum and Library is one minute’s walk from the Bury Metrolink stop…and always well worth a visit with temporary exhibitions such as that by Bury Art Society, an impressive permanent collection, frequent workshops and the ubiquitous but very necessary café area. 

 

But back to Bury Art Society. The Society was founded in 1949, with L S Lowry becoming its second President. The Society meets weekly at a nearby facility and also organises events, exhibitions and visits. This year’s show is rich and varied as always. Of the hundred or so works on show I’ll have a go at picking personal favourites. Oh and by the way, visitors can join a ballot at the gallery nominating their own favourite work. 

 

My first is an intricate melding of stitch and photography by Clare Salmon called ‘A walk in the woods.’ Then an acrylic by Janice Sarkar called ‘Gold Mine.’ Two abstract pieces using tightly controlled techniques to create intriguing images. And talking of intriguing images, Gill Pollitt’s beautifully crafted pen drawing ‘The Fish Owl.’ From what kind of wonderful imagination did that image come!? 

 

Geoff Saunders’ ‘Hortus Patricius’ collograph/linocut has a transparent and delicate graphic quality, whilst Shyamal Sarkar’s ‘Orange Square’ vibrates with structural and imposing density of colour. My overall favourite though, is another piece by Shyamal, a poignant and beautiful print from copper plate – ‘Expectant.’

 

The show runs until September 30th, so try and get along. Many of the works are for sale, but the sheer enjoyment of all the artists is clear to see. If you don’t already, it might just inspire you to pick up a pencil or brush, to experiment with materials, to exercise your imagination.