Painting your heroes - Art Class at High Oak

Every Tuesday colourful fletched tarpaulins are rolled out on High Oaks floor, brushes and colours are arranged and wait for people to come in and paint: It’s art class time. When one arrives they can see an impressing number of (un)finished paint works: Marilyn Monroe stands next to The Simpsons, Doctor Who and a painting of Boxers – there is nothing, one can’t create here.

Gareth Jukes, head of the art class, originally set it up in 2013 to engage and support young people in the local area who were interested in arts. “Quickly we found out that there was also a demand for artistic and creative activities for adults, which was why we opened the class to all ages. Today we have active members from 16 to 79 years. Some of them even travel here from neighbouring towns to attend” mentions Jukes enthusiastically. He is sure that (with a little help) anybody can paint. “It’s great fun to see people express themselves through arts.” In a number of highly successful exhibitions the participants shared their results with others in the local community. Megan, a student who attends the class regularly, comments “art class gives you the chance to relieve some of the stress that’s been building up over the week”, moreover she likes that through creative work one can show others what interests him/ her.

But Art Class isn’t only about drawing or painting: People who want to improve their photographing and photo editing skills are as welcomed as those who always wanted to create their own video and therefore need the right equipment. No matter what idea is going around in one’s head it is the right place to realise it! Since art class is totally free for its members even people with fewer opportunities get the chance to take part.  “The aim of the art class is to promote and encourage social cohesion and integration in Dudley and the wider West Midlands through arts and creativity” says Jukes “nobody should be stopped from being creative because of financial problems”. Alexandra, a volunteer from Germany who worked in art class for six months feels the same way: “Art class combines meeting friendly people and being creative – it’s free, fun and everyone can take part!”