A long-running arts group based in the east of the island are on the look-out for more members.

The Laxey Sketch Club are opening their doors and inviting anyone who wants to take up a new hobby and develop their skills alongside the company of like-minded folk to get in touch and find out more.

The friendly and informal art group meets once a week at the Laxey FC clubhouse and its members enjoy a regular programme of themes and topics, to inspire and encourage them to draw, sketch and paint.

Norman McKibbin, the group’s secretary, is a founding member of the group.

He thinks that there will be many people who may have picked up brush and pencil for the first time during the lockdown and believes that their group provides a perfect place for people to learn at a relaxed pace.

’I think that there has to be a lot of people out there who have been playing with drawing and art since lockdown and might fancy joining a club of like-minded souls,’ said Norman.

’There are about eight to 10 of us in the group at the moment, but at one point we had around 20 people coming each week, which isn’t that bad.

’We are only a small group of artists. However we could stand a few more new members, I think, and it would be good to get some new members involved with the group.

’We draw and paint together, and we occasionally have people coming in to give hints and tips, that kind of thing.

’Steve Wilkinson, a member of the group is our resident water colour expert and he gives talks and advice on how to get the best out of your painting.

’We’ve also had local artists such as Michael Starkey talk about different techniques.

’We have a programme that changes every couple of weeks. During the winter, we have themes such as portraits, moonlight, still life and so on, and during the summer we do more outside work.

’It would be good to have some new members, to help keep the club running.’

More information and further details on the Laxey Sketch Club are available by phoning Norman on 861125.