The Bo'ness Arts Group came into existence about thirteen years ago when Linda Owen a local artist and teacher started an Arts & Crafts group at the recreation centre in Bo'ness. Later it moved to St. Mary's School where the members had more space. Unfortunately the roof blew off in a high wind and the Group found refuge in a room above the Library. Unfortunately this was not really suitable as it was expensive, carpeted and had poor sink facilities.

Around this time Community Funding became involved and from then on agreed to provide space and a teacher from Falkirk Technical College. The Group moved to a room in Kinneil School set aside for Community education. I was a lovely light room with plenty of space and useable sinks. All we very satisfactory until Deanburn School burnt down and the children decanted allover Bo'ness to any available spare room in other schools. The Group naturally had to make way and found themselves back in the Library and forced to be clean and very, very tidy once more.

It was then that Linda Gowler suggested that the hall at the Apostolic Church was available and it had a kitchen attached. So the group moved again and has been in residence for five years. Space is a bit tight if all the members turn up and the lighting is not brilliant but that is more than made up for by the kettle in the kitchen. There is a very free and easy atmosphere and no worries about making a mess, as the lino floor is very easy to clean.

Three years Linda Owen ago Linda Owen left to start other groups and Trevor Griffiths from Falkirk College became out tutor, specializing in acrylic painting which many of the members enjoyed. Trevor was followed by Jane Patterson, who at present demonstrates the Scotvec courses in mixed media. The group also does craft work on other days. All the members enjoy a challenge and are prepared to have a go at anything different. Suggestions have been made with respect to lino printing and other techniques.

There are about twelve core members, aged 49 to 70 plus, who meet regularly and attendance can rise to 15 or 16 at times. Members are very supportive of one another and readily welcome newcomers who don't remain strangers very long. Everyone enjoys the company and general banter as members work. However there is dead silence when everyone is concentrating.

During the College holidays we all miss the meetings and often get together to paint and chat.

On a few occasions the group has painted outside, but that is very much dependent on the weather and does not happen often. The group also goes to Art Festivals together such as the one held in Pittenweim or visits an artist's home to see their work. For two years running the Group had an exhibition in a small room under the main church and sold some of our paintings for charity.

However the Group's latest venture has been to branch out and but on a major exhibition in Bo'ness Town Hall as part of the Falkirk Tryst Festival. Last year we had a small upper room but this year we have the main hall for exhibits and the library for refreshments.

At the exhibition work will be for sale and will also be open to people from the district to show and sell all kinds of crafts and hobbies. It is now far bigger and far-reaching than we ever envisaged. The only criteria for entering is that the artists lives and works in Bo'ness. The highlight of this year's show will be two car bonnets spray painted with beautiful local scenes. The artist is only on of four in the UK that does this sort of work.

Also on show will be Barge art, hand made guitars, cellos, clocks, patchwork etc., etc.

It is very hard work but last year the Group was very pleased with the success we achieved. The exhibition helped to bring people in the town together and show just how much talent Bo'ness was hiding.

Everyone is very cordially invited to come and see this year's exhibition on Tuesday 16th May in Bo'ness Town Hall 10am to 8pm so we can show you what Bo'ness Arts Group can add to the Falkirk Festival.
 

Bo'ness Arts Group: Contact Maggie Braes