Membership varies from those with skills who can regularly sell, to ‘dabblers’ like me who are there for the fun of it. People will always give encouragement and pass on their painting knowledge. The regular exhibitions give members an incentive to produce of their best. 

The visual arts have also been catered for more effectively in recent years (at Lighthouse). I have been particularly impressed by the recent East London Group: Dorset Days exhibition. Interesting pictures, well displayed and helpful background informative, filling a gap in my knowledge.

As soon as I walked into the room on the first floor as a rather nervous enquirer I knew I had found a very special and unique group. The welcome and acceptance to a new face was fantastic and has not changed in all this time. I have now been a member of Poole Leisure Painters for 19 years, having served as Secretary for 11 of them and during that time the group has had its ups and downs, but has always been supported by Lighthouse. 

Coming to Poole Leisure Painters has helped me develop my art, exhibit my work and find long lasting friendship with other artists. We are able to follow our own art ideas amid a lovely atmosphere of fun, laughter and a readiness to help when needed.

I am especially grateful to Lighthouse staff for all their help and support over the 14 years that I have been a member and secretary. 

I knew very little about Lighthouse previously and was not aware how much it contributes to the local community. Sometimes I feel art exhibitions come and go and the public misses out on some great art – Lighthouse should blow its own trumpet about what is on offer!