Many distinguished 20th century painters have exhibited and taken an interest in the Bath Society of Artists including Walter Sickert, John Singer Sargent, P Wilson Steer, Gilbert Spencer, William Scott, Patrick Heron, Mary Feddon, Adrian Heath and David Inshaw.
The aims of the Bath Society of Artists are to:
• form an outlet for the creative activity of artists, professional and amateur, in Bath and its environs;
• promote activities to foster members' interest and extend their knowledge of art;
• stimulate local interest in art emphasising that there is a lively group active in and around the City;
• promote the friendly link with the Civic Authority leading to new projects of mutual benefit.
Membership stands at about 120 and is elected by the Executive Committee. Anyone wishing to join must have had work shown at the Annual Exhibition for at least two years, for which there is a selection procedure. Members become entitled to submit three works, again subject to selection; non-members may put forward two. There is an opening ceremony conducted by an established painter or sculptor with influence in the art world.
The Bath Society of Artists has an Events Committee encouraging contact between members and the public. The Committee organises monthly meetings for lectures, criticisms, film shows, demonstrations and social evenings.
The Bath Society of Artists annual exhibition 2009