“It’s never too late to learn” according to Melissa Howells, an art student with Learning Pembrokeshire, speaking after the official opening of Learning Pembrokeshire’s art exhibition at Pembroke Dock Library.

The exhibition – which runs throughout June - features work from over 20 adult students who, since September, have taken part in Learning Pembrokeshire’s drawing and painting art classes at the town’s Community Learning Centre.

George Lewis, the inspiration for the show, was the first art tutor with Learning Pembrokeshire to encourage his students to exhibit their work.

Now, 15 years on, Sandra Evans, the administrator for the Centre, continues to be impressed by how much effort and hard work the students put into every piece of work. 

Featured in the exhibition is a range of subject matter from landscapes to seascapes, from still life and portraits by students just starting out, to students who have been developed their artistic skills and knowledge over a number of years.

Phil Allen, Learning Pembrokeshire’s tutor leading the art classes in Pembroke Dock, said that when curating this year’s exhibition he was aware of the heightened ambition and confidence of the students.

Comparing this year’s exhibition with last year’s, one student, Sally Ainger, felt struck by how much progress everyone had made with just two hours of tuition a week.

“Under Phil’s guidance we’ve all come on and become a lot braver over the past year” said Sally.

Explaining the progress of his students, Phil explained that they were all willing to explore and experiment with a range of media and techniques regardless of ability.

“This is what has led to such a range of interesting and exciting outcomes” he added.

Laura Phillips, the Centre’s co-ordinator, urges anyone wishing to find out more about expressing their creative side should contact Learning Pembrokeshire and book a place on next year’s courses.