The Hexenturm is transformed into a gallery twice a year by the Jülich Art Association. The association has been an integral part of the city’s cultural life since 1978, offering courses and workshops in addition to exhibitions and supporting children and adults in their artistic development from an early stage. Most recently, work with dementia patients was added. The art association also offers study trips to inspiring places and exhibitions.
The Kunstverein was born on August 28, 1978 in Haus Hesselmann. The founding meeting (28 people) adopted the statutes, which are still valid today, and elected the first board. “There was a mid-town art scene with a few professional artists and an ever-increasing number of amateur artists …., but there was a lack of opportunities for contact beyond casual personal acquaintances to enliven and stimulate this art scene.” This is what the board of directors wrote about the founding of the Kunstverein in the 1982 catalog.
In order to secure an appropriate and permanent home for art, architect Hans Weden created the conditions to convert the Hexenturm into an exhibition space. In June 1982, the Kunstverein took over the building for exhibition and event purposes as part of a usage contract with the city of Jülich. This has basically remained the case.
Zu Gast bei is the name of the Kunstverein’s series that has replaced the regulars’ table of the early years. The convivial get-together is enjoyed in the private rooms of the Kunstverein members in the studio or in the garden.
The association has over 250 members.
