Dear member
It is with great sadness I open this newsletter with news that Geoff Christian, who had not been in good health for some time, passed away recently. Geoff, a quietly spoken man who worked mainly in watercolour, was a great supporter of the Group and kindly gave his time as Group Secretary from 2008 until 2018 plus managing Social Painting Afternoons from 2011 until 2021 and offering help when required generally. Our condolences have been sent to his wife Sue.
——————————————–
Geoff was well aware of the importance of volunteers for any group to function. Felixstowe Art Group is no different and thanks goes out to all who supported the Annual Exhibition 2026 . Special thanks must go to Jim Lait for stepping up to cover the 2026 Annual Exhibition as Acting Exhibition Manager and Gillian Lait as Acting Administration Secretary. Linda Haggar and Belinda Newland deserve a mention as they provided Administration Assistance and Liz D’arville provided administration guidelines. Both Liz and myself assisted with clarity/ reassurance on anything as and when required. All in all, a good helping of team work.
We are pleased to say Jim has agreed to continue as Annual Exhibition Manager. Linda Haggar will fill the role as Administration Secretary with Belinda Newland as Administration Assistant. This means the Annual Exhibition 2027 is secure.
Remaining on the subject of the Annual Exhibition for the moment, a few weeks ago a Post Annual Exhibition Committee Meeting was held. Tweaks were made to improve various matters which cropped up during the exhibition.
Discussion also took place to improve clarity of works submitted to exhibit, in particular artwork content. This needed to be addressed as unfortunately one member’s work could not be accepted to exhibit.
The exhibiting criteria of Felixstowe Art Group Annual Exhibition (and also applies to mini one day and 142 Gallery exhibitions) is as follows ….
The exhibition is intended to be suitable for visitors of all ages and is held in a community/church setting. While the Art Group supports a wide range of artistic expression, including life drawing for educational purposes, works submitted for exhibiting must be appropriate for a general audience. Artwork that is overtly sexual, suggestive in nature, or depicts nudity in a manner intended to provoke, shock or amuse through sexualised content may be declined at the discretion of the Exhibition Manager and Exhibition Secretary, with the final word by the Exhibition Manager.
Let us now move on to Tuesday evening meetings at
Broadway House, Orwell Road, Felixstowe 7.30pm (£1 members £2 visitors)
Carole Massey’s demonstration ‘Portrait in pen and ink’ created much interest with many members and several visitors attending. As always Carole gave an informative, inspirational demonstration. Thank you Carole.
The following meeting was life drawing which we are pleased was well attended with several members coming along who had not been before and thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the evening whilst busy drawing.
Forthcoming meetings follow on page 2Broadway House Tuesday meetings from October until December are as follows –
13th October – Claudia Myatt, a popular artist, will be presenting an illustrated talk ‘My life in art and books (so far!)
27th October – Mary-Anne Bartlett will present a short demo plus paint along with Mary-Anne. The evening includes individual advice, if required, on your current work. Please bring your own materials.
10th November – Marina Brooks, a member of Group, will present a demonstration in oils. Even if oils is not for you, there is always a snippet of information shared that has you saying ‘Now I didn’t know that’. As the saying goes, Everyday is a school day!
24th November – Tony Osler, a member of Group and former Group President, will be demonstrating ‘Painting the seasons’ using watercolour.
To round off the year on …..
8th December – Chris Parfitt is presenting another of his interesting illustrated talks. Where will he be taking us this time?! The evening includes announcement by Teresa Seals of winner and runner up of her Group President’s Challenge plus display of entries. Do bring along your original if you sent Teresa a scanned or photocopy of your entry.
Reminder of topic – Natural World. Can be in any medium. Entries to be presented mounted but do not need to be in cellophane sleeve if preferred. Oh, and don’t forget to add your name on your work.
As well as Tuesday evening meetings to inspire you to get your chosen medium out, or indeed try a new one, then maybe Friday Social Afternoon painting sessions might fit the bill.
Friday Social Painting afternoons at Memorial Hall, Trimley St Martin, 1.30-4.00pm £2 per afternoon inclusive of refreshments
For those new to Felixstowe Art Group, members work on their own projects with help on hand from other members if needed. A welcome awaits you !
On that note, time to click, save, send.
Best wishes
Yvonne
(Newsletter Secretary)