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1945–1960

First exhibitions: Kleve, Kranenburg, Wuppertal

In his early years Beuys showed watercolours and sketches at the Kleve Artists Association's annual exhibition in the Villa Koekkoek, had a solo show at the home of Hans and Franz Joseph van der Grinten in Kranenburg, and took part in a show at the Von der Heydt Museum in Wuppertal.

1947–1950

The “Thursday Society” at Alfter Castle

Together with other artists, including Hann Trier, Beuys founded the “Thursday Society” (Donnerstag-Gesellschaft), which from 1947 to 1950 organised discussions, exhibitions, events and concerts at Alfter Castle.

1951–1954

Mataré's master class and a shared studio with Erwin Heerich

In 1951 Mataré accepted Beuys into his master class, where he shared a studio with Erwin Heerich; he kept it until 1954, a year after graduating.

1953

Graduates; commissions for a gravestone and furniture

In 1953, aged thirty-two, Beuys graduated from Mataré's class as a master student; he earned a modest income from craft commissions — a gravestone and several pieces of furniture.