The Marlborough Art Society is Blenheim’s long-running member art society, founded in August 1961 and based since August 2000 at 204 High Street — the former Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, converted into a gallery and workshop facility. The society has over 300 members and operates two gallery spaces (Clearwater Gallery and Clearskies Gallery) plus regular workshops, classes and exhibitions. It celebrated its 50th anniversary in August 2011 and continues to run daily groups, after-school art classes and weekend workshops.
Practical Information
| Address | 204 High Street, Blenheim |
| Founded | August 1961 |
| Current premises | Former Kingdom Hall, purchased August 2000 and converted into gallery + workshop |
| Gallery spaces | Clearwater Gallery and Clearskies Gallery — allows two simultaneous exhibitions |
| Membership | Over 300 — large percentage practicing artists |
| Activities | Daily groups (all disciplines), after-school art class, adult night classes, weekend workshops |
| Anniversary | 50th anniversary celebrated August 2011 |
| Cost to visit | Free — public can view exhibitions during opening hours |
About the Society
The Marlborough Art Society has been one of Blenheim’s main visual-arts organisations since August 1961 — over six decades of running classes, exhibitions and member meet-ups. The early years saw the society operating from various locations around Blenheim, including a temporary home at the old St Andrews Church. Growing membership eventually drove the search for a permanent base.
In August 2000 the society purchased the former Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah’s Witnesses at 204 High Street and converted it into the gallery and workshop facility that remains in operation today. The building was later extended internally to create two separate gallery rooms — Clearwater Gallery and Clearskies Gallery — which can host either a single larger exhibition or two simultaneous exhibitions in parallel.
What the Society Does
Over 300 members make the society one of the larger arts organisations in Marlborough, with a large percentage of members being practicing artists. The society runs groups meeting every weekday across all disciplines, plus an after-school art class for younger artists, adult night classes, and weekend workshops on specific techniques or themes. The two galleries host a regular programme of exhibitions, with the dual-room layout allowing both member and visiting exhibitions to run simultaneously.
Where to Learn More
Marlborough Art Society — official site — current exhibitions, class schedules, membership information and gallery hours. The authoritative source for visit planning.
Marlborough Art Society — Upcoming Exhibitions — current and upcoming exhibitions across Clearwater and Clearskies galleries.
Marlborough Online — Marlborough Art Society — local reference page with society history and community context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Marlborough Art Society?
204 High Street, Blenheim — in the former Kingdom Hall building purchased and converted in 2000.
When was the Marlborough Art Society founded?
August 1961.
How many members does the society have?
Over 300, with a large percentage being practicing artists.
What galleries are at the Marlborough Art Society?
Two: Clearwater Gallery and Clearskies Gallery. The layout allows either a single larger exhibition or two simultaneous shows.
Can the public visit the galleries?
Yes — exhibitions are free to view during opening hours. Check the official site for current hours.
Does the society run classes?
Yes — daily group meetings, after-school art classes, adult night classes and weekend workshops across all disciplines.
For more Blenheim arts venues see Te Kahu o Waipuna — Marlborough Art Gallery.
