WADAC is a friendly, welcoming art club based in Wallingford. We offer classes, artist demonstrations and social activities for people who enjoy drawing and painting – whether you are just getting started or have been painting for years. Take a look at our Learning and Social pages for up-to-date information on what’s on.
Tutored classes
We run daytime classes at Centre 70 on Tuesday mornings and afternoons, taught by professional artists who work in a range of media. Classes run throughout the year in six-week terms, with seven terms a year in the mornings and six in the afternoons.
Places are limited, so booking is essential. Members receive lower fees and priority booking.
Morning class – 10.00 am to 1.00 pm, with Claire Cross
Claire begins each session with a short demonstration of a medium, subject or technique requested by the group. You can follow the demo or work on your own project, with Claire on hand to offer individual help. Recent topics have included acrylics, watercolour, pastels, charcoal, mark-making, palette knife work, abstract techniques and core drawing skills such as perspective and still life.
Fees (per 6-week term)
- Members: £85
- Non-members: £100
Taster and drop-in options
- First taster session: £15 (if space is available)
- Standard drop-in: £30 per class (by prior agreement only)
Most people book for the full term. It works out better value and helps you build confidence week by week.
Afternoon class – 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm, with Grant Waters
Grant’s class is more guided, with everyone working on the same theme over two weeks – from still life and landscape to portraiture. In the first week, Grant introduces the theme and any new techniques. In the second week, you develop and complete your painting with his support. Class numbers ensure you receive plenty of personal attention.
Fees (per 6-week term)
- Members: £90
- Non-members: £110
Taster and drop-in options
- First taster session: £15 (if space is available)
- Standard drop-in: £30 per class (by prior agreement only)
Again, we encourage people to book for the full term, so you can see real progress in your work. If you are interested in joining a class, please email admin@wallingfordartclub.org.uk.
Live demonstrations
On the third Tuesday of most months, from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm at Centre 70, we host an artist demonstration. Visiting artists show how they work and talk through their process in an informal, friendly setting.
- Free for WADAC members
- £10 per demo for non-members
These evenings are a lovely way to learn new techniques, ask questions and meet other local artists.
Tutored all-day workshops
We arrange two or three all-day workshops a year, usually on Saturdays, with experienced professional tutors. Each workshop focuses on a particular medium or subject and gives you a full day to practise and experiment.
- Typical fee for members: £45
- Typical fee for non-members: £60
Workshops are very popular and often sell out, so members receive priority booking.
Untutored club evenings
On most Tuesday evenings (except demo nights), members can come along to Centre 70 from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm to paint in company. These are relaxed, social sessions – bring your own materials and projects, enjoy a chat and a cuppa, and share ideas with other painters.
- Free for members
- £10 per evening for non-members, to help cover hall hire and refreshments
Outings and visits
We run Sketchbook Saturday in late spring and an Outdoor Painting Day in August. We also arrange occasional group visits to exhibitions and galleries, plus joint outings with other local art groups.
- Free for members
- £10 per day for non-members
Exhibitions and art sales
We usually hold two exhibitions a year in central Wallingford – one in May and one at the start of December to coincide with Wallingford’s Christmas Shopping event.
All members are invited to exhibit and sell their work. Non-members may be able to exhibit at a higher fee if there is space after members have submitted their entries.
Membership
You are welcome to come to most activities as a visitor, but membership gives you lower fees, priority booking and many free events.
From 1 January 2026, annual membership is £44, with a half-year rate of £22 for new members joining after 1 July. For a regular painter and attendee, membership can save you up to £750 a year, compared with non-member prices (see our Membership page for details).
To join or to ask any questions, please email admin@wallingfordartclub.org.uk.
