THEY may be amateur artists, but as these pictures show Brentwood Art Society's many members certainly aren't amateurish.
On Friday, around 150 people, including art enthusiasts, their friends and families gathered at Brentwood Library for the official opening of the society's annual exhibition, now in its 54th year.
The display, which features 50 artworks including oil paintings, watercolours, acrylics, paintings and clay works, can be viewed free of charge during normal opening hours at the New Road library until Saturday, December 1.
Each item on display was created by one of the society's members, of which there are currently 50.
Chairman Anna Hughes told the Gazette why the exhibition was staged each year.
"Most people in the art society have a body of work by the end of the year that they would like to display," the 69-year-old former art teacher said.
"It is a good way of introducing ourselves to the rest of the world really."
The deputy mayor of Brentwood, Madeline Henwood, was among the guests at Friday's opening night, which she described as a "delightful and very enjoyable occasion".
She added: "The standard of each item that was hanging was very high.
"They were all wonderfully executed."
Brentwood Library is open between 9am and 6pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 9am until 1pm on Wednesdays.
On Saturdays, it is open from 9am until 5pm and it is closed on Sundays.
The pieces on display can be bought from library staff.
Call 01277 264290 for details.
Brentwood Art Society was founded in June 1958 and at present it costs £23 a year to become a member.
New applications are welcome.
For more information, call 01277 227205 or visit www.brentwoodartsoc.co.uk
