75th Anniversary Dinner
Ayrshire Club Recognised by UK Parliament for 75 Years of promoting and nurturing Art in Ayrshire.
Troon Art Club celebrated its Jubilee Anniversary at a special event held in The Gailes Hotel, Irvine on March 24.
Members raised a glass to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Club and its substantial contribution to Ayrshire's creative community. Often referred to as the ‘Best Art Club in Scotland’, the member led organisation was formed in 1949 in the
meeting rooms of the British Legion in Troon by six founding artists including Charles Summers and Albert Duffus.
Over the years, numerous club members have contributed to Ayrshire's artistic community making the area a vibrant environment to live and work in.
The 75th anniversary celebration was attended by Dr Philippa Whitford MP who presented a framed certificate of her Early Day Motion which formally recognises the contribution of the Club to Scottish society, the motion was endorsed by a broad coalition of Westminster MPs.
Club President Paul Nelis said, ‘It’s amazing to think that we are being recognised by the UK Parliament and that the Club has been around for so long. The NHS was formed one year before the establishment of the Club and so much history has unfolded since then. The Club currently has more than 140 members and we are growing every year. We meet every Wednesday between October and March to have demonstration nights by prominent Scottish Artists, talks about art, work evenings and various themed events. Of course, the highlight of our year is the Annual Art Exhibition which is held every Summer in Troon and
boasts an amazing variety of art produced by our members. The Art is on display and for sale to the public. Last year we had over 200 framed art works and 300 non framed pieces available. It’s a tremendous event which has great support from the wider public which has been going on for 75 years and long may it continue.’
This year's annual art exhibition will be on 13 – 27 July 2024 at the Troon Boys Brigade Hall near the swimming pool.
Affordable high quality art will be for sale and to view. We look forward to seeing you all there.