The Marlborough Art Society

The Marlborough Art Society, situated at 204 High Street, Blenheim (map), celebrated its 50th Anniversary in August 2011. Throughout the year it is planned to hold exhibitions and displays highlighting the growth and development through the years of the Society.

From early beginnings in various locations around Blenheim and with an increasing number of members the Society responded to its need for larger premises and after an intensive fund raising effort begun in 1998 they purchased and moved, debt free, to the present building at 204 High Street in August 2000.

The move to its own premises provided the Society with its first on site gallery space and exhibitions were held at regular intervals. However, as the demand for exhibition space increased it became obvious that a larger gallery area was necessary and in April 2009 it was decided to extend the gallery. In February 2010 a second gallery extension was officially opened – again debt free thanks to the loyalty of the members and friends of the Society and sponsorship of the Yealands Estate Winery, Seddon, and Mark Stevenson First National Realty, Blenheim.

The Art Society premises consist of a large studio area, library, kitchen facilities plus the adjoining Clear Skies Gallery and Clear Water Gallery. A small enclosed patio area is accessible from the studio.

The current membership stands at over 300, a large percentage of whom are practicing artists.

The aims of the Society are to promote the creative arts by providing opportunities for education in a wide range of differing media and giving opportunity for artists to exhibit their works in regularly held exhibitions. Members are also encouraged to hold their own exhibitions either as solo exhibitor or shared with like minded friends.