New Year Social:

With a variety of raffle prizes, prizes for activities, selection of goodies to eat, the New Year social at Trimley Memorial Hall on Saturday 18th January was (with great relief to Liz and myself!) enjoyed by those members and guests who were able to come along. Thank you, Janet, for helping to set up and thank you for others pitching in to assist with tables etc at the end of the afternoon.

We now look forward to the first set of meetings for 2025 at Broadway House ….

Broadway House, Orwell Road. 7.30pm, Members £1, visitors £2

Tuesday 28th January – Gareth Lee will be demonstrating ‘How to create character drawing’. Bring small sketch pad and pencil to have a go during the evening.

Tuesday 11th February – members only. Life drawing with male model. Short and longer poses. Please note this is an untutored session.

Tuesday 25th February –  Members drawing challenge. Just a reminder of the three categories: Creature(s) of the sea /Three leaves / Pot of art brushes

And Guidelines –

• members may enter one drawing per category
• drawing to be in monochrome using graphite pencil, ink, or charcoal
• each entry mounted – but not framed – up to maximum of 20″ x 16″ including mount 
• for artist to remain incognito please write your name and category on back of work only
• entries handed in at the door by 7.40pm
• please avoid infringing copyright and do not enter work that was in the 2024 Annual Exhibition

Even if you are not entering a drawing it is an opportunity to view other members work, maybe get inspired to have a go another year, vote for your favourite, enjoy light refreshment as well as see who, in each category, is awarded a trophy and prize with a runner up being awarded a prize.

142 Gallery Hamilton Road

Members will recall in previous newsletter the news that with the help from member of committee Tracy Laudat, the Group will be exhibiting at above gallery from Thursday 15th May until Wednesday 21st May.

Dates/information relating to this event to put in your new diaries or calendar ……..

• Members may enter 2 hung or 3D works (or mix of both)
• plus 2 unframed plus 20 of own cards (from own original work)
• Delivery of work by you or someone on your behalf on Wednesday 14th May 3.15-4.15pm
• Promptness essential so displaying of work can be done within reasonable time scale
• Collection of unsold work Wednesday 21st May 1.15-2.15pm
• Promptness essential in order to clear space for incoming exhibitor
• Deadline for sending details of entries will be Wednesday 16th April*

*A newsletter supplement will be sent out beginning March regarding details required and where to send

We hope with drawing challenge in February, Annual Exhibition poster competition in April, 142 Gallery booking plus Annual Exhibition in August, there is plenty on offer to inspire you to create.

Spreading the word of Group activities …..

Just a reminder we now have …….. 

Group’s dedicated Facebook page

New member Ruth, has set up a Facebook page (No personal details such as contact details will be shown) So along with Group’s website, local magazines sent information by Janet Woodard, Group’s Publicity Secretary, this all helps to spread the word about activities of the Group as well as spread the load on members who help in many ways with running of the Group.

Do take a look, let others know about the page. We know some members also help to promote the Group on social media, so keep this up too please.

Whilst on subject of Group activities

Thursday painting afternoons, Conservative Club (downstairs) 2.00 – 4.00pm

For all who attend these afternoons it was a welcome return to get back into the creating, catching up on news and no doubt enjoying a cuppa or two! May these afternoons long continue to offer such a welcome.

Returning to subject of life drawing for a moment.

Find drawing hands and feet a challenge or simply want to gain more knowledge on this aspect of life drawing?  Group member Carole Massey holds monthly workshops at Trimley St Martin Memorial Hall, High Road, (next to Trimley Sports and Social Club) and her workshop on Tuesday 25th February 10.00am-3.30pm is on this very subject!  Fee is £45. Contact Carole to book/further details – carolemasseyart@gmail.com

Do share any other information you might have on life drawing opportunities within reasonable radius of our area

Further news ….

Membership Secretary job description – general outline –

Those who attended AGM 2024 might very well recall Group Membership Secretary Liz D’arville stating that she was standing down at the 2025 AGM. So 2024/25, her 11th year in office, will be her final year and we now need someone to volunteer for this role. Liz made it quite clear she would not continue beyond 30th April 2025!

Below please find general outline of the role which Liz has kindly supplied.

• • Check emails on a regular basis for new membership enquiries forwarded by other committee members and via committee member dealing with website enquiries
  • Respond promptly to new membership enquiries and any queries raised by members
  • Send out Welcome Pack, latest programme and newsletter on receipt of payment from new members
  • Keep Excel spreadsheet up to date and inform relevant committee members of any updates
  • Organise delivery of renewal forms
  • Send out new programme (and Exhibition pack) on receipt of renewal payment
  • Ensure deadlines are met regarding renewals
  • Note – bulk printing eg renewal forms, Welcome Pack etc not required. This is done by another member

This may seem much to do but as long as everything is dealt with as it comes in then as with all roles in business or voluntary, it can be achieved comfortably. Of course, it helps if no chasing is necessary. Thankfully a large percentage do either renew or have let Liz know if not renewing but unfortunately there was approximately one third in 2024 that did need a nudge.

If you would like to speak to Liz about this role, please contact her on the number on back of programme card. Please leave a message if she is not able to answer and she will get back to you.

Look forward to welcoming a new Membership Secretary at the 2025 AGM

and the Group continues to thrive and we all enjoy our journey in art

Best wishes

Yvonne

(Chairman)