Although it remains cold the winter sunshine is most welcome, bringing a few more people out enjoying walks along the promenade, some visiting the gallery, others simply looking in the window.

Gallery news

Despite the economic downturn we are all experiencing there continues to be a slow trickle of sales taking place, so good news indeed.

Now not so good news –

Regrettably our time occupying the gallery is now very limited due to the owner, our landlord, placing the property up for sale very soon. He has been asked if we might stay until completion of sale takes place and hopefully this will be permitted. Our thanks go to Group Treasurer David Tennant, for his time corresponding with the landlord over the years and more recently his great help on this latest matter.

We have been most fortunate to have had the use of the space for nigh on 43 years at a peppercorn rent, which we may not find elsewhere.

You will be kept posted. In the meantime changeover will still be 27th February 9.30-11.30am unless you hear otherwise.

Ideas to continue the opportunity to showcase and sell members work will be explored and we certainly welcome input from members.

Turning now to more welcome news –

New Year Social Afternoon

The feedback on the day and since has been most encouraging, so thank you for your thanks!

Liz and myself give our thanks to Helen Daniel for helping to set up on the day and all who pitched in at the end of the afternoon to clear tables, sweep floor etc. Will such an afternoon be repeated, most certainly, with different activities of course and variety of raffle prizes on offer.

Group workshops

Another activity offered to members is the occasional Saturday workshop. An acrylic session with experienced tutor Carole Massey has been booked for Saturday, 28th October. Further details will follow later in the year but thought you might like to note in your diaries.

Workshops offered by various artists

Another advantage of being a member is that from time to time we receive details of workshops offered by artists who have demonstrated to the Group.

Issy Coe, Group President, holds monthly workshops at her studio Jassamine Studio 10.00am – 4.00pm The mediums this year cover pastel, oils and watercolour. Fee per workshop £45. All workshops offered by Issy are suitable for beginners as well as the more experienced as plenty of one to one tuition.

For further details/book call Issy on 07990573818 or email – issyart210@btinternet.com

Carole Massey, also a Group member, has a number of painting holidays lined up, such as in Italy plus closure to home there are various sessions at Aldeburgh, Flatford Mill and Watershed Studios.

Last year the monthly workshops in Leiston proved very popular, covering a variety of subjects and medium aimed at all abilities. 10.00am-3.30pm Fee per workshop £45.

Further details can be found on Carole’s website: www.carolemassey.com or email – carolemasseyart@gmail.com

Leaping forward for a moment (or maybe a little shuffle) on –

Program updates

Tuesday 28th March

Broadway House, Orwell Road, 7.30pm is the Malcolm Laurie drawing challenge.

The three categories, as indicated on your programme card are –

• • Spring begins
  • 3 garden tools
  • an insect

and Just a reminder of the guidelines:

• • members may enter one drawing per category
  • drawing to be monochrome using pencil, ink or charcoal
  • each entry to be mounted but not framed, up to a maximum of 20″ x 16″ including mount.
  • for artists to remain incognito please sign the back of work only
  • please hand entries in by 7.40pm
  • please kindly note all works must not infringe copyright or have been previously shown elsewhere

The event is not just a challenge to draw a particular subject depicting light, dark and shades of grey using the humble pencil, ink pen or stick of charcoal but a pleasant evening to get together. Even if you are not entering a drawing, do come along, vote for your favourite in each category and see who, in each category is awarded a trophy and prize with the runner up being awarded a prize.

As well as light refreshments provided the evening will include gathering your ideas for further topics.

Returning to February meetings at Broadway House –

Tuesday 14th February 7.30pm – Chris Parfitt – illustrated presentation ‘Scilly art’ – Chris takes us on a tour of the main lslands, gardens and artists work.

Tuesday 28th February 7.30pm (members only) – Life drawing with a new to the Group experienced male model.

Tuesday 14th March 7.30pm  – Jim Lait has kindly stepped in as Stuart has been offered work to teach on board a cruise ship, something he does from time to time. Stuart’s evening has been rescheduled for Tuesday 24th October 7.30pm

* Please bring your watercolour materials as the session with Jim will be a work evening.

Concluding this newsletter – news of a recent charity fund raiser.

By request of her husband Martyn, a collection of art books that were in the estate of his late wife, Marguerite, known for her beautiful flower work, was brought in by member Colin Millar and placed on sale at the Thursday afternoon painting session on January with proceeds to be donated to the Alzheimer’s Society. The sale went well with a total sum of £44.15 raised by members. A cheque has been sent for this amount to the Society and the remaining books were taken to the Cancer Research shop in Felixstowe and handed in for sale with Colin’s gift aid contribution. Thank you from us all for organising this Colin.

That’s all for now folks before my feet turn to ice. Reynolds and cold weather do not go well together!

Yvonne

(Chairman)

Keep creating