OVER the next few months, the Phoenix Art Centre will be organising a series of free introductory art and crafts training sessions open to any adult in the local community.

They will be delivered at the club's premises in Phoenix Court, Cleator Moor, usually on a weekday evening, lasting up to three hours, and will be tutor-led.

Modules will cover several different art or craft topics, including basic watercolours, introduction to crochet, introduction to candle crafts, sketching skills, pastels and watercolours and introductions to acrylics.

Each topic will be repeated once.

The club's aim in undertaking this project is twofold; firstly to increase its membership and ongoing sustainability, and secondly to ensure the local community has access to a local art and crafts facility and opportunities.

Whitehaven News: Members of Phoenix Art Club at a recent stallMembers of Phoenix Art Club at a recent stall (Image: Phoenix Art Club)

The club is dependent on membership fees for its revenue income, but is committed to discretionary rates for unemployed or otherwise financially disadvantaged members.

A spokesman said: "In addition to attendance being free, all participants who get involved will be provided with the basic equipment and materials to ensure active participation."

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"No previous experience is required and any level of ability is welcome. This could be the ideal opportunity to try out something you always fancied doing but never seemed to have the chance to."

Whitehaven News: Phoenix Art Club session can even take place on the harbour sometimes!Phoenix Art Club session can even take place on the harbour sometimes! (Image: Phoenix Art Club)

The club said it is grateful for the support received from Cleator Moor Town Council and Cumbria County Council for the delivery of the project.

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The project will begin on March 8, starting with the introdution to candle crafts, which will be lead by Jo Iles, of Lakeland Lights.

Booking is essential for the classes and you should call Caroline of Phoenix Art Club to book.