History of CDAC

THE CAMBRIDGE DISTRICT ART CIRCLE


(CDAC)


Started in Haslingfield in 1983 by Peggy Williams, Jean Kennedy and like-minded friends, the Cambridge District Art Circle (CDAC) has grown to serve an important function in the region with over 100 members from as far afield as Royston, Newmarket and Bar Hill. The aims of the society are to encourage interest in painting, achieved through the provision of regular demonstrations, talks, workshops, tutorials, competitions, social events and a well-stocked library of relevant video material. There is a public exhibition each year, usually at Grantchester Village Hall over the August Bank Holiday weekend, supported by a tea-shop serving drinks and home-made cakes.


While most members use watercolour, some also exhibit oils, pastels and acrylics. An Annual Trophy, the Peggy Williams Cup, is presented to the artist whose work gains most votes from the public during the exhibition. A second trophy, the Silver Jubilee Cup, is awarded following an in-house competitive exhibition held at the Annual General Meeting.


The cost of membership is £25 per year. Membership is by approval of the Committee and is open to any person interested in our aims. Members range from fully professional artists to enthusiastic amateurs – it is not uncommon to have more than 60 members and friends attend a demonstration evening.


In the words of Robert Louis Stevenson:


“… a little amateur painting in water-colour shows the innocent and quiet mind”.