I have received calls from several people looking for art groups in their area, and I try to help whenever I can by going through the A-Z list (if they have not internet access), but I find it slightly frustrating that most entries have the most basic information, often with just a Group name and an email address and nothing or very little about the Group.
I think it would be very helpful to artists or would-be artists to find at least some information about where a Group in their county meets and when, especially if an RSC is involved with the group.

Thank you,

Steve Williams
RSC

Yes I agree Steve, - I haven't seen the group I used to attend in Shurdington -- near Cheltenham
on the list yet -- or perhaps I have missed it -- ( HEALTH MATTERS KEPT ME AWAY BUT I HOPE TO RETURN AT SOME POINT).
Still painting at home and sending in paintings to the SAA comps.

Dear Members,

I am glad to see that you are both trying to utilise the local clubs service, however the reason for very few clubs either being on the website or having information showing is because this is a gradual launch taking place.

Due to this service being launched on the brand new SAA website we are only informing a select number of clubs every few weeks. This is so that each club can receive the right amount of help and attention should they experience any difficulties when trying to create their clubs web pages. Whereas if we told all 1,200 clubs about the service at the same time, we could be inundated with queries and it wouldn't be possible to help everybody fairly.

Over the next few months you will see a gradual increase in the amount of clubs on the website and hopefully the content on the pages too. However the clubs have control over how much information/pictures/details that they wish to display.

But rest assured this is making continuous progress.

Happy Painting!
Ashley (SAA)

Thanks, Ash! I apologise for banging the drum!
Steve Williams
RSC Wigan / Warrington / St Helens

Unfortunately our club (Beechwood Artists) does not appear when you click on 'search by map'. It does appear under local clubs for Buckinghamshire but without postcode or location. Any reason for this, please? Is this because we are reluctant to set up a web page on the site due to fact we already have an existing website? Sorry to be a nuisance! Many thanks.

Hi Lizg,

Beechwood Artists are now displaying on the Map search and yes you are quite right this was due to Beechwood not wishing to list any information on your SAA club pages.

When the clubs edit their information on their SAA webpages there is a section that allows you to place the Art Clubs address onto the website, so when somebody does a local club search, it will pull your club into this search.

On this occasion i have gone in and done this for Beechwood Artists, although it may not be the exact postcode, it is the postcode that we have on our system (which is likely to be the co-ordinator) but presumably it is in the same village so it would bring in the same search results.

As discussed previously in this forum thread it is solely the choice of the art club whether or not they wish to use this promotional tool, but as we have seen from the clubs using it so far it is having a tremedously high impact every day. Art clubs are receiving new members and a much higher turn out to their exhibitions and they simply enjoy being apart of the SAA and promoting their work to other like minded SAA members.

Happy Painting!
Ashley (SAA)

Thanks so much for your help.

Have only just discovered the forum = it's brilliant! Will check daily now!!!

lizg

I agree with Steve, more information is needed on local groups, a contact name and number at the very least.
It would also be helpful to know if the group was advanced or mixed abilities.

I agree. Art clubs need to include their address (with postcode) and an up-to-date contact number at the very least. An indication of size and styles would also be helpful too as some clubs may only work with one medium, such as the group for Derwent pencils. The difficulty for members using the searches arises when clubs do not update contact information when for instance, membership secretaries change. I'm sure this would also be inconvenient for the previous contact who will still be getting the inquiries.

Hi Im looking fora art group around sheffield south yorkshire-derbyshire/chesterfield.
A mixed group would be nice and prefer day time
In the a-z at S S A theres 2...one gives me a vague clue were it is,but nothing else.
The other is justa name. It would help if there were details were the group is and how its run ...then Id know if its what I want or can fit into it and know I can travel to it
I agree with the comments here and think there should be a set format that has to be followed when groups are posted
Layetta