Art lovers were welcomed to a private viewing of the Molesey Art Society’s 2013 spring exhibition this week.

Crowds flocked to St Alban’s School, Beauchamp Road, West Molesey, on Wednesday, April 3, to see the creative efforts 90 members of the group have produced over the last 18 months.

Guests enjoyed a glass of wine and were able to discuss works with the artists and to purchase anything that caught their eye.

Deputy Mayor of Elmbridge, Mike Benninson, his wife Mary, and Steve Bax, Conservative candidate for East Molesey at the upcoming Surrey County Council elections, were among the guests.

Councillor Bennison said: “The standard here is probably the best I've seen, and I have photographed people's paintings for them so I know what I'm talking about.”

Mr Bax said: “Once again our local artists from Molesey and wider have excelled themselves. 

"I congratulate them on a successful exhibition and do hope as many people as possible go and see it."

Molesey Art Society has been exhibiting for 54 years and has about 250 members.

The Friends of Molesey Library committee, which Mr Bax is part of, is in talks with the art society about getting artists’ work displayed at the library in the future.

The exhibition is open for public viewing from until Tuesday, April 9, from 2pm to 6pm weekdays and 11am to 6pm at the weekend.