Art society work is latest to feature at local gallery
A LARGE collection of work by amateur artists is on display at the Cynon Valley Museum and Gallery as the building thrives having previously been closed down due to council cuts.
The latest exhibition at the centre on Depot Road in Gadlys, sees the Aberdare Art Society, which claims to be the longestrunning art group in the Cynon Valley, showcase its work.
The group is capitalising upon the new management structure of the museum after it was taken over by the Cynon Valley Museum Trust, reopening in September last year.
That means it now allows for local art groups to showcase their work unlike previously, when it was run by the council and only hosted travelling exhibitions.
Judith Toms, from the society, which has been in operation for more than 50 years, said: “It was previously a space for travelling endeavours so to get work in a venue where people will turn up is fantastic.
“They need local work there now so it’s a complete breakthrough for us.”
The Aberdare Art Society’s exhibition features a wide variety of work, with all artists taking inspiration from their own lives.
That means the work will take visitors through subjects from farming to music to famous Welsh festivals.
Around 50 people turned up to the opening of the exhibition on May 11, and Ms Toms added: “It’s been a very good endeavour and a vibrant eclectic selection of artwork.
“We are all entirely different and we get on very well and the standard of work at this exhibition has really been very good.”
Before reopening in September, the museum had been closed having been axed in Rhondda Cynon Taf council cuts in 2014.
Aberdare Art Society meet every Wednesday evening at the Roman Catholic Church Hall in Hirwaun between 7pm and 9pm.
To volunteer at the museum, email manager@ cynonvalleymuseum.org or call 01685 813318.