SOUTH WALES ART SOCIETY

SOUTH WALES ART SOCIETY OPENS 125 TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION AT THE CARDIFF STORY MUSEUM

The South Wales Art Society (SWAS) will be opening its 125th Anniversary Exhibition on Tuesday 28 February 2012 at the new Cardiff Story Museum in the Old Library building in the Hayes, Cardiff. The official exhibition opening and prize-giving will be made by the Rt Hon Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress from 5 - 7 pm.

More than 100 works by artists from across South Wales will be on show in the upstairs gallery of the historic building on the Hayes, first opened in 1882, and designed by one of the Art Society's first founders, architect Edwin Seward. Seward, architect of some of Cardiff's most notable 19 th century buildings, was one of a group of art enthusiasts who founded the South Wales Art Society and Sketching Club in March 1887. The Society's first President in 1888 was the Lord Windsor and its first Committee consisted of influential people and dignitaries who would ensure the cultivation of 'a taste for Art' in Cardiff for many years to come. A certificate was issued to each new member of the Society and published in the Western Mail.

To celebrate entering into its 125 th Anniversary Year, the SWAS has developed a new history display mapping the development of the Society and the importance of art in Cardiff spanning the years 1887-2012. The display will feature an illustrated talk recorded by the Society's current Vice Chair and Archivist, Dr Robert Llewellyn Davies, MBE, which traces the full history of the Society from its creation in the wake of the Industrial Revolution in Cardiff, describing the many people who have contributed to its development throughout its first century and beyond. In 2012, the Society still strives to achieve its original aims to encourage and advance art in South Wales, membership remains strong and exhibitions continue to be held annually.

Jan Robinson, SWAS Chair, says: 'The Society is delighted that our 125 th Anniversary Exhibition will be hosted by The Cardiff Story in a building designed by one of our founder members over 100 years ago. This is a stunning venue for the exhibition and we hope that visitors will enjoy the artworks and the new display of the Society's rich history.'

The exhibition will include more than 100 varied works on the theme 'Reflections of Cardiff'. Most will be available for sale. All works included are selected by a panel of acclaimed judges and prizes are awarded for the highest scoring entries in seven categories, ranging from figurative to abstract and including portraiture, still life, landscape and marine.

The SWAS membership includes both amateur and professional artists, who meet fortnightly throughout the year for critiques, demonstrations and lectures, as well as in weekly workshops. Members will be on hand from 10am to 4pm daily in the exhibition gallery to answer questions about the art on display. The exhibition continues until Friday 20 April and admission is free.

The SWAS welcomes new members. Details of this and all aspects of its activities will be available at the show.

Further information: Email: info@southwalesartsociety.co.uk

Website: www.southwalesartsociety.co.uk