February 2005, John Wright & the Jimena Class

John Wright is no stranger to these pages and following the coverage given to his art class in Estepona we were asked to give similar exposure to his classes held in Jimena de la Frontera.

In 1990 John Wright started his first art class in Spain at Jimena. The classes were held in various locations including a room above the bank until in 1998 he was invited to move his class into the Queen Sophia Cultural Centre at Estacion Jimena. The only stipulation was that Spanish residents could attend the multi national classes.

Meanwhile John built up a core of dedicated artists and, in his own inimitable fashion, encourages them to create fine works of art. The group are an integral part of the community and receive support from the local authority and local businesses notably Restaurant Las Rejas in Jimena who hold a permanent exhibition of work produced by John's students. A number of students produce work that is entered in competitive art exhibitions, the latest being Alison Savage, who has submitted one of her avant garde paintings for the 32nd Gibraltar International Art Exhibition which will be held at the John Mackintosh Hall from the 7th to 17th February.

John's strength lies in his ability to bring out the unrealised talent in his students. Watching him work with his group is more like seeing a mentor at work rather than a tutor. As one lady said, 'John seems to know everything'. Once again I have to emphasise that if a work does not appear in these pages it is not an indication of my opinion, rather on my ability to take a decent photograph.

The Jimena class meet at 10am on Thursdays and go on, after the class, for lunch at Las Rejas. To join the class contact John on 654 762 608.