FREE fortnightly art lessons for beginners will be held in Barrow, starting later this month.

Tim Leeson, a founder member of the South Lakes Arts Collective, has teamed up with Tally Ho landlady Debbie Creighton to offer the tuition sessions at the Schneider Road pub.

The lessons will start off covering the traditional aspects of art, such as observational drawing and life studies, before moving onto more abstract, conceptual art.


Tim Leeson at work Tim says: "I have been volunteering at Barrow Community Kitchen for the last nine months, and whilst there it was apparent that creative pursuits were of a great help to people.

"I decided after being in conversation with Debbie, that it would be great to offer free art classes in Barrow as not everyone can afford private lessons in these hard economic times.

"Debbie is a talented artist and I also have a background in fine art and art history.

"We will endeavour to make it fun and informative, and I would like to offer alternative concepts that maybe offered by more conservative tutors."

There will be a taster session on Wednesday March 8, with the fortnightly classes beginning on Wednesday 15.

The only requirement is that people bring their own materials to use.

Over the course of the programme, specialised tutors will be brought in to lead sessions, with Ulverston-based glass fusion artist Marilyn Hale among those lined up already.

Tim continues: "Myself and Debbie had talked about creating a community project that would go down well in Barrow.

"We decided because we both have a background in fine art that would be the best avenue to go down.

"We are aiming to introduced beginners to art whom we hope to instil self-confidence and a sense of well-being

"The lounge area at the Tally Ho lends itself well to art classes, as it's big, light and airy.

"We both hope that solid friendships will be made - I have already seen this happen with South Lakes Arts Collective."

Potential artists are invited to attend an open evening from 7pm to 8pm on Wednesday March 8, and the two-hour classes begin at 7pm the following Wednesday.