FAQs

Do you need to be a member of the guild to take part in life drawing and portraiture sessions?

You can attend the first couple of sessions to see if the Art Guild is for you. We usually say if you have been attending for at least 3 to 4 weeks and you like the sessions and activities, you will need to apply to become a member. Current membership is £30 per year.
Do I have to book in advance to attend a session?

You can just turn up on the day, no booking necessary. However, for special events such as workshops, demonstrations and art talks, you will need to book in advance via our website. Workshops usually cost £12 pp, demos cost usually £6pp and art talks are free.
Where are the Life Drawing and Portrait sessions held?

Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery, Wellington Rd S, Stockport, SK3 8AB. Note: Please use the side entrance for Life Drawing on Thursday evenings and the front entrance on Saturday mornings for the Portrait session.
Do you provide drawing and painting tuition at the sessions?

No unfortunately, all sessions are presently un-tutored. There may be plans in the future to offer tutored sessions.
How do I contact Stockport Art Guild?

You can contact us via our website contact form or email us at: contact@stockportartguild.com
Are there refreshment breaks at the weekly sessions?

Yes, there is usually a 15-20 minute break for both the Thursday and Saturday sessions. Tea, coffee and biscuits are available for a small charge. At the Wednesday sessions, tea and coffee is free.
Why are there no more Wednesday Art Sessions?

Due to dwindling numbers, we have had to end our Wednesday sessions. Our last Wednesday evening session was on 27th November 2024. However, from 2025, we will be organising monthly art workshops at the Quaker Meeting House.
What are the contact details for Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery?

Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery Wellington Rd South Stockport SK3 8AB Telephone: 0161 474 4453 Email: stockport.artgallery@stockport.gov.uk Website: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/topic/stockport-war-memorial-art-gallery
What are the opening hours of the Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery?

Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday: Closed Thursday and Friday: 1pm to 5pm Saturday: 10am to 5pm Sunday: 11am to 4pm Bank holidays: Closed
How do I get to the war memorial art gallery?

You can get to the art gallery by various means. By car:  You can park at the nearby pay & display car park on Armoury Street car park (SK3 9DU) off Greek Street. Monday to Saturdays: from £1.10 per hour. Reduced rate on Sundays. For example 2 hours = 60p. There is also on street parking available nearby at: Royal George Street, Mulberry Mount Street, Blackshaw Street, Frances Street and Millbrook Street (area).  You can use the Ring Go app to book car parking without using cash.  Another useful parking app is : Parkopedia. By train:  The art gallery is about a 6 minute walk from the railway station with trains to Manchester and the south. From the station walk down railway road towards the A6. Turn right up the hill pass the town hall. The art gallery is ahead on the corner of the A6 Wellington Road South and Greek Street.  By bus:  Bus services are for example; 192 (Hazel Grove to Manchester), 199 (Buxton to Manchester Airport). You can alight at the college bus stop and the art gallery is nearby.
How much do the sessions cost?

Prices for the sessions are as follows; Life drawing £6 per person Portraiture £4 per person Wednesday Art Session £4 per person Pay by debit or credit card. Note: For under 18's, students and disable, you will only need to pay £4 per session.
What should I expect at the Thursday life drawing session regarding models and poses?

Each Thursday at the life drawing session, we have a different model posing for us and a different set of poses. Below is a typical monthly schedule of the poses set by the Art Guild. This schedule may vary. Monthly timetable of weekly poses First week: Short: 5 to 20 minutes, then 25 minutes. Second week: Mixed (including a long pose). Third week: 2 poses of 50 minutes each. Fourth week: 1 pose over x2, 50 minutes.
What do I need to bring to a life drawing, portrait session or Wednesday sessions?

Bring along the art materials and equipment you normally use. Some members bring along for example pencils/sketchbook, paper/charcoal, acrylic paints and canvas or board and even oil paints. You can borrow for each session, easels and drawing boards.
How much does it cost to join Stockport Art Guild?

Annual membership is £30.00. Subscriptions start on 1st April each year. https://www.stockportartguild.com/membership Note: For under 18's, membership is free. You can just turn up to the weekly sessions except for the Life drawing session where you need to be at least 18 years old.
Are there other ways to pay for annual membership other than card payments?

Yes, if you cannot pay online using a credit or debit card, you can pay by cheque. Please get in touch with us first to let us know if you are paying by this method. Please make cheques payable to 'Stockport Art Guild'.
What are the benefits of joining Stockport Art Guild?

Benefits of membership are; Exhibit at the annual Art Guild exhibition A free copy of the Stockport Art Guild newsletter StockpART Commemorative Book available at a discounted price Life drawing sessions (Thursdays) Portraiture sessions (Saturday) Art history talks Individual members online art gallery (Coming soon!) Still life weekly sessions (Wednesdays) Discounts (Online shop)
Is there car parking available near the art gallery?

You can park at the nearby pay & display car park on Armoury Street car park (SK3 9DU) off Greek Street. Monday to Saturdays: from £1.10 per hour. Reduced rate on Sundays. For example 2 hours = 60p. This car park is free after 6 pm. Try the Ring Go app to pay online. On street parking off Greek street is also available nearby at: Royal George Street, Mulberry Mount Street, Blackshaw Street, Frances Street and Millbrook Street (area)