Do you want to help stimulate art?

25 October 2025

Gerrit and Sophie are board members of the Amsterdam Association De Zondagsschilders.An association that stimulates the creativity of many Amsterdammers. There are about 350 members and 20 teachers. Drawing and painting courses are given daily (so no, not just on Sundays!), but also sculpture, photography, and graphic techniques. “Our entire organization is run by volunteers,” says Sophie proudly. “Only the teachers are professionals.”The Sunday Painters have two large course studios in the heart of Jordaan, where the light beautifully shines in, with an enviable garden. Everywhere you see the artistic products hanging that have been produced over the past no less than eighty-seven course years. Some people have been members for 30 years and have built close friendly ties. It is also a cozy association for new people where you can build nice contacts with others with the same interests. Many members are involved in the association. “We have groups of volunteers for the administration, for publicity, for cleaning, for the website, for the interior design of the building. And of course, the board is also voluntary,” Gerrit continues.

Art along the IJ

“We do much more than just the courses. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, there is Open Studio. An unexpected success during the pandemic last year was the Open Day with over a hundred interested visitors. And we regularly organize beautiful exhibitions. Among others, Eberhart van der Laan posed as a model for Portrait on Sunday. We also draw and paint in the garden and on location, for example along the IJ,” Gerrit explains. Sophie adds: “In addition, we organize Creative Summer Weeks and a new offering for children. And everyone receives individual guidance at their own level.”

Inspire to create beautiful things

Gerrit: “I started doing this work as treasurer as a newcomer in Amsterdam, and it turned out to be an excellent way to integrate. In no time, you get to know many people.” Sophie: “Like Gerrit, I was also asked to become a board member. At the moment, I am performing the tasks of the secretary and the chairperson. Due to my job, I already had a lot of experience with volunteering, which I could put to good use at De Zondagsschilders. This volunteer work gives structure to my life, and in the process, I also contribute to society, to this thriving association where people inspire each other to create beautiful things. It also broadens your view of the world.”

Would you like to help the Sunday Painters flourish?

Gerrit: “We have many opportunities to get involved as a volunteer. At the moment, we are looking for a few board members to work together with Sophie and me to get the association back on track after corona. That’s a challenge! We want interested individuals to shadow as general board members for a while first and later see which tasks suit you.” Sophie: “It is important to work well together. Do you love art and people? Feel free to contact us.”