About

The National Acrylic Painters` Association was formed in 1985 by Ken Hodgson. It evolved from the concept that acrylic paint was largely unrecognised in its own right. Oil and watercolour paints started from the same premise and it follows that acrylic paint should have equal status as a new and developing medium.

Ken Hodgson

Acrylic paint is the 20th Century`s positive contribution to painting. It is a medium that is capable of the widest range of approaches in techniques and methods, thus stimulating creativeness and fresh thinking in theory and art ideology. As such it demands that maximum expression should be sought through its versatility. It was intended that the National Acrylic Painters` Association should help to fulfil this demand, by being a vehicle for collective exhibitions, which aim to promote the excellence and innovation of the medium.

The first President of the Association was Adrian Henri. He held the post from 1986 to 1991. Adrian was an acclaimed international painter and poet.

Adrian Henri

The present President is the internationally acclaimed painter, writer and broadcaster, Alwyn Crawshaw. Having been Vice President since 1986, he took over the post when Adrian retired.

Alwyn Crawshaw

NAPA works as a co-operative. It is run for artists, by artists, on a not-for-profit basis. Many talented painters have contributed their time and efforts over the years to ensure the successful running of the association.

The Association is non-discriminatory concerning age, disability, gender or race.