WELCOME TO CASA
We are a friendly group of amateur artists who meet at the Cedar Centre in the village of Castor, just outside Peterborough.
Most of our members have no formal artistic training, we just enjoy the social side of drawing and painting with friends.
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Our regular meetings take place on Monday mornings, when members can come and draw or paint whatever they like. We also have regular demonstration evenings by professional artists, which are always popular.
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From time to time we organise workshops, usually once or twice a year, where a professional artist takes us through a painting step-by-step, and members produce their own works of art under expert guidance. During the summer, we often arrange group trips out to paint "en plein air", and we have an annual exhibition at the Castor Festival.
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We are always happy to welcome new members. Whether you are the next Picasso, or you haven't drawn a picture since you were at school, come and join us! Come along to one of our Monday morning sessions, or contact us using the form at the bottom of the page.
Monday Morning Meetings
Our most regular sessions are our Monday morning meetings. Artists are free to work on whatever they like, in their own time. Although there is no teacher for these sessions, you will find that members are always happy to help out or to give advice if you need it.
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It's fair to say our members cover the full range of abilities! Don't worry if you don't think you're any good - we all start somewhere, and the main thing about drawing and painting is to do it, to keep doing it, and with practice you never know where you'll end up. Whether you're already a regular painter, or you're yet to realise your full potential, you'll fit right in.
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Most new members start out at our Monday sessions. Your first session is free, so you can see if you like us. The usual price is £3, and if you start coming regularly you would be expected to join as a member, which is only £15 for the year.
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Sessions start at 10.15am and are held at the Cedar Centre, the church hall next to St Kyneburgha's church in Castor (see the map). You just need to bring yourself, and whatever you want to work with, whether that's a pencil and paper or an easel, canvas and a full set of oils.
Demonstration Evenings
Once a month we usually have a demonstration evening led by a professional artist. These are very popular events, and are packed full of hints and tips from people who draw and paint for a living.
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Demonstrations have included works in the traditional mediums of watercolour, acrylics, oils and charcoal, as well as some of the less well-used methods such as inks, murals and Chinese brush.
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Evenings are on the second Thursday of the month, starting at 7.30pm at the Cedar Centre. The cost is £3 for members, £5 for non-members, and under-25s are free. For our current programme of events, check our calendar page.
Special Events
Our main event of the year is our annual exhibition, held at the Cedar Centre as part of the Castor Village Festival in July. CASA members and village residents are welcome to enter artworks either to sell or simply to exhibit. There is also an exhibition of paintings by the children of Castor School.
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Visitors can vote for their favourite picture, and most years at least a few people are impressed enough to make a purchase!
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During the summer we often arrange outings so we can paint as a group in the open air. These days out are always popular, and a good opportunity to get outside and paint from life, rather than being inside working from photos.
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For details of our current programme, click on our calendar page, or check our latest news for more details.