Building the New CANDWAG Website: A Fresh Home for Our Creative Community

When the Carshalton & Wallington Art Group (CANDWAG) first launched its online presence, it was little more than a digital noticeboard. Functional, yes — but hardly reflective of the colour, creativity, and community spirit that fills our weekly meetings and public exhibitions. Fast forward to 2025, and we're proud to unveil our brand-new website: a modern, welcoming home for our members, friends, and the wider South London art community. Built with Readdy.ai, this site has been designed to showcase not just what we do, but why we do it — to make, learn, and belong. ## Behind the Build The rebuild came from a simple need: our group has grown. More members, more events, more exhibitions — and a strong desire to connect with people who might never have stepped into Holmwood Hall or All Saints Church before. Using Readdy.ai, we created a site that's easy to update, mobile-friendly, and optimised for search engines. ## What's New on the Site ### 🎨 Dynamic Gallery of Members' Work Our new [Gallery](/gallery) is no longer a static wall of images. It's filterable, searchable, and designed to spotlight individual artists. Each artwork now carries descriptive alt text so Google — and visitors using screen readers — can truly "see" what's on display. ### 📅 Events & Programme Calendar The [See Events](/events) section now integrates directly with our term programme. Every Thursday evening demo, every practical session, every exhibition — all in one calendar you can view, save, and share. ### 📰 Blog & News This very post is the first of many. Our Blog will feature exhibition highlights, demo write-ups, member stories, and reflections on the creative life. ### 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Membership & Members' Area New artists can now learn exactly how to [join CANDWAG](/membership) — and our members have a private area to download packs, watch instructional videos, and renew subscriptions securely. ## Why This Matters A website is more than a brochure; it's a bridge. For members, it means easier access to resources and clearer communication. For the public, it means visibility of exhibitions, confidence to join, and a stronger sense of the creative heartbeat in Carshalton and Wallington. ## Member Spotlights Our new website doesn't just show artwork — it tells the stories behind the artists. From retired teachers discovering watercolours to young professionals unwinding with acrylics, these personal journeys remind us why community matters. ## Interactive Membership The membership process is now streamlined and transparent. Potential members can learn about our community, understand the joining process, and even get a sense of what to expect at their first meeting. ## Mobile Experience Whether you're checking exhibition times while walking through Carshalton or sharing a blog post about our latest demo, the site works beautifully on any device. ## Reflecting Our Community The new website isn't just about technology — it's about authentically representing who we are. The warm colour palette reflects the welcoming atmosphere of our meetings. The photography showcases real members, real artwork, and real moments of connection. ## Looking Forward This website launch marks more than a digital upgrade — it represents our commitment to growth, inclusivity, and community connection. We're already planning features like online workshop bookings, a members-only resource section, and expanded artist showcases. ## Join the Conversation We'd love to hear what you think of the new site. Whether you're a long-time member or discovering us for the first time, your feedback helps us continue improving and serving our community better. ## Looking Ahead This site is just the beginning. Over the next year, we'll be adding: - Photo galleries from exhibitions and plein-air days - Blog series on art for wellbeing and creative practice - Local partnerships with schools, councils, and fellow art groups Most importantly, we'll be keeping our programme alive and accessible — with events like the Autumn Exhibition at All Saints Church (13–14 Sept 2025) already live on the calendar. ## Join Us If you've ever wondered what it's like to be part of a friendly, creative art group — why not come along? 📍 Thursdays, 7:30pm, Holmwood Hall (behind Wallington URC) 🌐 https://www.candwag.co.uk ✉️ carwalart@gmail.com For more information about local arts initiatives, visit [Sutton Council Culture](https://www.sutton.gov.uk/culture) or explore the [Art Society Directory UK](https://societies.artists.org.uk/) to discover other creative communities.