John Watson, who helped establish the original club, was the great grandfather of one of our present members, so today’s club has a direct, living link to those early days of art in Kilmarnock. You can see paintings by John Watson in the Kilmarnock Collection at the Dick Institute.

In 1963 the Kilmarnock Fine Art Institute was wound up and Kilmarnock Art Club was formed, with all assets transferred to the new club. That heritage still underpins what we do today.

We’re an active, friendly group who meet on most Monday nights at Bonnyton Community Centre from 7pm to 9pm. It’s a relaxed, sociable space where people come to paint, draw, chat and share ideas. Throughout the year we also enjoy demonstrations by professional artists, usually five or six times annually, which are always inspiring and great fun.

Over the years, the club has held successful exhibitions at the Dick Institute, Maclaurin Gallery, Irvine Museum, New Laigh Kirk and Ayr and Crosshouse Hospitals. The latter two have kindly hosted our annual exhibitions in recent years, and we’re extremely grateful for their continued support.

Individual members have also exhibited with considerable success at the Maclaurin Gallery, Lochgreen House Hotel (Hansel Village), Paisley Institute, Macclesfield and even as far afield as St Petersburg, Russia.

We are always looking for new members of any age (under‑18s are very welcome). Whether you’re a seasoned artist, someone returning to art after a long break, or a complete beginner who has never picked up a brush before but would love to give it a go, you’ll find a warm, encouraging welcome at the Kilmarnock Art Club.

Art is a wonderful hobby that can take over your life in the very best way!