Dawlish Art Group has been going strong throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, with members being challenged every week to produce a picture based on a certain theme. The group is also about to launch an online exhibition of work.

In this article, chair Jenny Norman gives the history of the group, and describes how she has kept its members motivated during this very difficult year.

Dawlish Art Group was started in 1974 by a lady called Elizabeth Eustace who found that the nearest art group at the time was in Torquay.

The group has gone from strength to strength and currently we have 32 members who pre Covid got together on Thursday afternoons in a friendly sociable atmosphere at St Mary's Hall in Dawlish Warren.

There are a range of abilities in the group and we welcome new members with all levels of art skills in any medium.

We offer demonstrations and workshops by professional artists and we like to share the skills within the group as well.

We encourage and support each other while improving our painting abilities or experimenting with new materials. Quite a number of us like to get together and visit local exhibitions together which is energising and inspiring.

Each Thursday there are copyright free photographs available to source work, also art magazines can be bought for 20p each. DVDs on a variety of art subjects can be hired for 50p.

We host two exhibitions a year at the Strand Centre for visitors to come and see our work and have the opportunity to purchase a masterpiece!

How the group has adapted to Covid-19

Since March we have been unable to meet but have kept in touch with each other via a weekly email with art news appertaining to our group and a weekly challenge painting which helps to keep people motivated.

We also post paper copies to those who are not online, which are much appreciated. Each week our paintings can be viewed on Dawlish Art Group's Facebook and Instagram pages.

This has all been a big learning curve for us but our Committee felt it important for our members to be able to keep the happy atmosphere we enjoyed at our meetings going during this challenging Covid period.

'Focus, inspiration and diversion'

Group members have expressed their appreciation of the weekly challenges.

Kaz Oinn said: "As a member of our lovely friendly group DAG, I would like to say just how much I appreciate the weekly challenges sent by our fantastic chairperson Jenny Norman.

"They have given me such a boost during such hard times, especially whilst shielding.

"I am never without something to do, and people to talk to. Wonderful."

Joan Catto said: "I have looked forward to the Thursday email from Jenny with the weekly challenge.

"It gave focus, inspiration and diversion during this difficult time.

"Mostly the challenge was fun but sometimes it was frustrating if a picture did not go as planned.

"It is also enjoyable keeping up with other members of the group via WhatsApp and seeing the hugely talented interpretations of the challenge on Facebook and Instagram.

"I am so pleased that I joined DAG as it has broadened my art horizons and given me the motivation to experiment."

Just now we are all busy putting the finishing touches to our paintings in readiness for our first online Winter Exhibition which will launch on Saturday December 5th on the group's website

We hope that all art lovers in Dawlish will enjoy our exhibition.