Our Aims
The aim of Painting for Pleasure is to provide a welcoming and supportive environment where people can explore painting and drawing in any medium. The group is especially for those living with physical and mild learning disabilities, health difficulties, or illness, as well as their carers. We also welcome anyone at risk of isolation within the community.
By attending our classes, participants can improve their artistic skills, knowledge, confidence, wellbeing, and social connections; enhancing their overall quality of life.
Our Beginnings
Painting for Pleasure was founded in 1995 by two sisters who shared a passion for making art accessible to all. In its early years, the group was supported by Warwickshire College and later by Community Education.
When the sisters retired, Psychotherapist Margaret Godwin took over the group, with artist Grace Newman soon joining to help. In 2005, Community Education funding came to an end due to a change in government priorities toward numeracy and literacy. To keep the group alive, a committee was formed under the chairmanship of Jayne Canning, and a constitution was created so that outside funding could be secured.
The group continued to thrive with regular sessional art workers, including Helena Godwin (Margaret’s daughter) and Grace Newman. After the sad and unexpected passing of Helena, Amanda Crump supported the group for a year. Grace has since retired from teaching but continues to help with fundraising and enjoys attending as a painter.
What We Do
Our weekly classes take place every Wednesday, term time, at The Westbury Centre, Westlea Road, Kingsway Borough, South Leamington, CV31 3JE. Located in a deprived area, we are ideally placed to support those most in need, while also attracting members from across Warwickshire as we offer something unique in the region.
Alongside our weekly classes, we organise trips to art galleries and hold exhibitions of members’ work in Leamington. Exhibiting provides participants with a real sense of pride, achievement, and visibility in the community.
While painting and drawing are central to our activities, they are also a vehicle for building confidence, reducing isolation, and developing new skills. Our classes are lively and sociable, with members encouraging and supporting one another. Many friendships formed in the group extend well beyond the class itself.
Our members represent a wide range of abilities and backgrounds, creating a diverse and inclusive community where everyone benefits from the shared experience of making art.
This is our base, The Westbury Centre, painted by Louise.
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