Dedham Village by Helen Morgans
The Dedham Art Society (DAS) welcomes artists from Essex and Suffolk, from complete beginners to established professionals. We operate on co-operative principles that rely on the engagement and involvement of our members, with members contributing in ways that support the smooth running and success of the Society. A shared enjoyment of painting, community, and a strong spirit of volunteering sit at the heart of who we are.
We are a well-established art group, and meet regularly in Dedham. We take inspiration from the beautiful Dedham Vale National Landscape, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Essex-Suffolk border, cherished by John Constable. We are also fortunate to be surrounded by the rich artistic heritage of Essex and Suffolk, shaped by artists such as Alfred Munnings, Thomas Gainsborough, Lucien Freud , Thomas Churchyard and Terry Jeffrey.
Dedham itself holds particular significance. The Munnings Art Museum, the former home and studio of Sir Alfred Munnings is located here. Dedham was the original site of the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing, founded in 1937 by Sir Cedric Morris and Arthur Lett-Haines. In addition to Lucian Freud, the school nurtured artists including Maggi Hambling, David Kentish, Bettina Shaw-Lawrence, Lucy Harwood, Joan Warburton, Glyn Morgan, Valerie Thornton and Bernard Brown.
Dedham Art Society Annual Programme
Throughout the year, we meet regularly to paint together, host workshops and demonstrations, and welcome visiting professional artists and tutors. We meet every two weeks on Thursday afternoons at The Assembly Rooms in Dedham from 2.00–4.30pm. In addition, we hold one Saturday en plein air session each month, and during the summer we aim to paint outdoors at a variety of inspiring locations.
Annual Exhibitions
The Society aims to hold an annual exhibition. Exhibiting artists must be paid-up members, submit only their own original work, and assist with stewarding during the exhibition.
DAS Trophy Winners
The DAS Trophy is awarded to the most popular painting at our Summer Exhibition, as voted for by visitors.
Members Gallery
Our Gallery features artwork from a selection of current members who paint and exhibit regularly.
It also includes a link to the Dedham Art Society Archive, celebrating the work and contributions of key members, past and present.
Membership
As a member, you’ll enjoy the benefit of painting and meeting regularly with our friendly and enthusiastic group, along with the opportunity to exhibit locally and showcase your artwork on our website.
If you would like information about membership, please click the button below for more information.
Our Links
The Dedham Art Society supports East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices through donations from members’ art sales. We also have a partnership with the Munnings Art Museum. For more details about our partnerships, please click the Partners button below.
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