Created for the love of art and community.
Westport Art Group was formed in 1955 by a small group of local, art-minded women. Since then, we have grown into a robust and colorful community organization approaching 250 members from all over South Coast, Massachusetts, southern Rhode Island, and beyond. At our active Main Road, Westport Point building, we offer both adult and youth art classes and show events throughout the year, many of which are open to the public. We are a 501(c)3 organization.
Click here to read the new letter from Sharon Connors, President of WAG.
Eileen Riley
Collage and Mixed Media Exhibit
“Transmedium”
October 17 - October 27, 2024
Opening Reception: Friday, October 18, 5pm – 7pm
At Westport Art Group, 1740 Main Road, Westport Point
CALL TO ARTISTS - Click here for details. Sign up is now open. Deadline end of day October 13.
Robert Dec
The Westport Art Group invites members and non-members to enter our Collage and Mixed Media Exhibit celebrating collage and combined mediums.
Mixed media art refers to artwork created by combining different materials and techniques, including but not limited to paint, drawing mediums, collage, paper, fabric and found objects. It allows artists to experiment with different textures, colors, and visual elements to convey their artistic vision.
In mixed media art, artists have the freedom to explore a wide range of materials and techniques. They can incorporate traditional art supplies like oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, and pencils, along with unconventional elements such as textiles, metal leaf, or even recycled materials. Techniques such as layering, collage, texture-building, and image transfer can be combined for creative artworks.
We welcome you to visit to this exciting show!
Monday Drawing Class…..Returns!
Instructor Patricia Schneider
September 23, 30, October 7, 21, 28, November 4
(No class Oct 14)
9am-12:00 noon
Artwork by Patricia Schneider
This class is designed for beginners (even if you've never picked up a pencil), but more experienced artists are welcome. In this 3 hour class we will work on drawings using a "sight size" method, understanding the importance of value to create form, how to set up your paper and tools to support gaining an understanding of creating realistic images in black and white.
The instructor will supply images that we will work from each week, and include plenty of demos and handouts to enhance the class.
Sign up is now open on the Adult Art page!
Painting the Fall Landscape in Watercolors
with Instructor Susan Stranz
Six weeks: Tuesdays, Oct 8 - Nov 12, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Artwork by Susan Stranz.
This six week class will be taught by Susan Stranz. The class will focus on landscape painting and we will discuss composition, color theory and techniques, suitable for all levels, beginners welcome!
Learn how to capture the vivid colors of our local fall landscape using beautiful watercolors. In this class, you will learn how to mix all the stunning hues of fall using basic primary colors. Each painting will be discussed from the basic compositional sketch, to design and color selection. A wide variety of basic watercolor techniques will be demonstrated.
We will paint both exercises and landscape paintings as a class. Subject matter will include trees, skies, grasses, marsh, and more. This class is suitable for all levels, even beginners. Register on the Adult Art page!
Beginning Bookbinding
1-Day Workshop with Instructor Melony Poirier
Saturday, October 26, 2024, 11am-3pm at WAG!
“I often call this a universal thought book. Somewhere to jot down ideas or quick sketches. It's small enough to throw into your purse, keep in the car, or on a nightstand. I have found many people don't want to actually use it, but keep it as a display.” -Melony Poirier
Beginning Bookbinding class will focus on terminology and the basic skills and we will make a small book with approximately 12-16 pages. These skills are necessary to move onto larger and more involved bindings. The beginner class will produce 1 knife edge book, roughly 5.25"h x 4.25" w.
For more information, please go to the Adult Art page.
Limited to 5 students. Register soon to secure your spot!
Join Us for Potluck at the Westport Art Group Annual Meeting
October 24, 5:30 pm at WAG
All are Welcome! Current members of WAG will vote to elect group officers.
Potluck! Bring some food to share.
This year we will have a Mixed Media gallery show at that time.
In-Person Adult Classes & Workshops
All Westport Art Group classes are open to both members and nonmembers, but for adult classes, current members receive a 20% discount at checkout with code -unless otherwise listed.
CLASS AND WORKSHOP LISTINGS
Monday Drawing….Returns! Six sessions starting September 23 with Patricia Schneider. In this 3 hour class we will work on drawings using a "sight size" method, understanding the importance of value to create form, how to set up your paper and tools to support gaining an understanding of creating realistic images in black and white. Registration is now open on the Adult Art page.
Painting the Fall Landscape in Watercolors. Tuesdays, Oct 8 - Nov 12. This six week class will be taught by Susan Stranz. The class will focus on landscape painting and will discuss composition, color theory and techniques. Suitable for all levels, beginners welcome! More information on the Adult Art page.
Beginning Bookbinding. 1-day workshop on October 26 from 11 am to 3 pm. You will learn the basic skills of bookbinding and will produce 1 knife edge book, roughly 5.25"h x 4.25"w with 12-16 pages. Class is limited to 5. Sign up is now open on the Adult Art page.
ONGOING CLASSES
Figure Drawing on Wednesdays! Join the 9 am group at WAG. The figure group has resumed regular weekly sessions. Go to Adult Art to learn more!
Weekly Painting - Thursdays. The Thursday painting group is now meeting outdoors to paint en plein air at various locations on the South Coast. We paint from 9-11:45, then have a friendly but informative group critique. See the Adult Art page to join the email list!
WAG Poetry Group. Meetings twice a month. See the Poetry page for details!
Special Event
Artwork by Eileen Riley.
Exploring Mixed Media: A Journey Through Texture, Color, and Depth
A Demonstration Including the use of Acrylics, collage, metal leaf, and epoxy
Special event by Eileen Riley
Friday, November 1, 2024, 11 am - 1 pm at WAG
This demonstration is designed for artists and anyone who might be interested in the dynamic and versatile world of mixed media. The instructor will demonstrate four distinct techniques; the technique of paint splattering for artistic effects, collaging using various materials, enhancing a design using metal leaf, and safety and application techniques for epoxy coating.
$32. Open to all, but members receive a 20% discount at checkout.
Sign up on the Current Events page. Space is limited.
The event will be held at the Westport Art Group gallery at 1740 Main Road, Westport Point, MA 02791.
Youth News!
WAGKids art classes
New October/November painting class! Registration is now open!
Click here to learn more about WAGkids classes.
WAG College Scholarship Funds
2024 WAG College Scholarships Awarded to
Samantha Brunette and Fiona Jason
The Westport Art Group is pleased to announce the 2024 WAG College Scholarships awarded to two very talented high school seniors who intend to pursue a higher degree in Visual Arts. This year’s recipients are Fiona Jason and Samantha Brunette, both from Dartmouth High School. They offered compelling examples of artistic expression across a variety of techniques and materials.
After completing applications, submitting transcripts and recommendations, meeting with the the WAG Scholarship Committee for a portfolio review, these two young women were chosen and each receive a $1,500 scholarship.
In addition to the scholarship itself, award recipients are given opportunities to display their art through the WAG gallery, receive free WAG membership and can participate in other WAG activities as well.
Read these young artists’ bios on the Youth Scholarship page.
Thank you to our loyal sponsors:
Donate Directly or by saving Lee’s receipts
We appreciate your donation to support the arts in Westport. If you’d like to donate by mail, please send a check to Westport Art Group, P.O. Box 157, Westport Point, MA 02791.
In addition, Lee’s will donate a percentage of total receipts from your purchases. Just save your receipts from Lee’s, circle the totals, and and drop them in the mailbox at the WAG building at 1740 Main Road — or mail them to us at Westport Art Group, P.O. Box 157, Westport Point, MA 02791. Thank you to our members and citizens who donate!
How to Join or Renew Your Membership
For information on membership, renewal, and the state of our group, please go to the Join Us page. There you will be able to review your options for membership renewal: either online with credit card, or by downloading the registration form and mailing it with your check. Your continued support is greatly appreciated!
Just a few of our members pictured here at the October 12, 2023 annual meeting.
Call to Artists - the NEW Periwinkle Shop!
FREE SHELF & WALL SPACE available NOW in the Periwinkle Shop!
View details and submission directions on the Events page
One of the perks of WAG membership is being able to sell your artwork and handmade original items in the Periwinkle Gift Shop – and you’re invited to participate! All current WAG members can submit small works of art and original handmade items to sell at the gallery - without charge for the space. WAG will retain a 25% commission on all items sold.
Submissions may include artwork in all mediums, photography, handmade jewelry, sculptures, fiber art, books and other items.
Participants must be current members of WAG - see the Join Us page to join or renew your membership. Go to the Events page to download call details and the art submission form.
Events & Exhibitions
Learning Opportunities
Youth Education and Outreach