AIM OF THE CLUB 
 
 
THE AIM OF THE CLUB SHALL BE TO PROMOTE THE STUDY AND PRACTICE OF THE VISUAL ARTS AND MEET LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE. 
 
 
 
THE IDEA OF FORMING AN ART CLUB IN HARPENDEN WAS SUGGESTED TO BETTY HOPKINSON BY FRIENDS IN 1958. Then following an article Betty wrote for the Harpenden Free Press, 50 interested people crowded into Mary Ellen’s Tea Shop to discuss the plan and as a result The Harpenden Arts Club was formed. The first president was famous portrait painter, Frank Salisbury. 
Members met each week at the Plumber’s Loft - a tea room above shops next to the Cock Inn - drawing and painting still-life subjects and later, portraiture. When the Plumber’s Loft was demolished the Further Education Centre in Victoria Road became the regular home for the club. In later years members met at St Georges School then at St John Lawes School, now we meet most Thursday evenings from September to May in the small public hall. During the summer break, there are weekly sketching days around the county. 
Since those early days, the club has grown and is a superbly, friendly club. Here are a few of the club activities:
 
                                                                                                                 
ART to PRINT demonstration by digital artist, Christopher Crawford, on how to photograph a painting and then manipulate it using Photoshop software afterwhich it can be turned into a print.
  
                               studio life session                                                                         'Magic Daffodils'  led by member Roger Reynolds
pictures by Harry Dobkin