Club faces last show at Dudley gallery after 87 years

As council chiefs consider closing Dudley Museum and Art Gallery, the town's Society of Artists has unveiled its latest display of 160 pieces.

From water colour to acrylics and oil paintings, the pieces each reflect a different subject area by members, who say they have been determined to make it one of their best exhibitions to date amid fears they will need to find a new venue next year.

Dudley Council is proposing closing the building, at Priory Street since 1883, and moving its collections elsewhere. It is among cuts aiming to save £20 million over the next three years.

The decision has sparked backlash from the public, with more than three thousand people signing a petition calling for the venue to be saved.

A panel of five judges comprising of some of the groups longest-serving members chose the best pieces for three prize categories.

Tina Willis-Jones won the Percy Hipkiss award for her drawing of tangled leafs and foliage entitled Eden.

Shirley Bonas was the prize winner of the Ron Gwynne award, dedicated to the memory of one of the club's past members, for her striking picture of a network of branches as seen from tree tops. And the third prize category for the overall best body of work went to Kate Duncanson.

Keith Turley, chairman of the society, said: "Every year we say that it is the best year, but this year is special as we have more artwork than ever before.

"It shows that there is a lot of local talent with some incredible pieces.

"The sad thing is we are left in some uncertainty about our future exhibitions at the art gallery, but we don't want that tainting the fantastic work on display at the moment."

Six pieces were also given a Highly Commended award for their depth, skill and technique. Among the pieces was artwork by one of the newest recruits, Ken Wood, who was awarded for his painting entitled Friday night at the Black Country village, depicting at scene at the Black Country Living Museum.

Gary Tilyard was commended for his enamel painting entitled Summer Island and motorbike enthusiast, Xiaomei Griffiths, for her painting of a Norton International. The club currently has 70 members that meet weekly at Castle High School, with a broad age range.

Mr Turley, who has been a member since 2008, added that the club was a social gathering too. "We have appraisal evenings where we speak about each others work and offer feedback, and we are an extremely friendly bunch," he said.

The exhibition opened on Saturday and will run until February 7, 2016.